At The BUSY School, we recognise students come from diverse backgrounds, some more challenging than others. For this reason, we’ve established a strong foundation of communication and support for all students and their families.
With a dedicated team of teachers, youth workers, learning support teachers, education pathway officers, work readiness officers and teacher aides, the team works together to help students manage the demands of school while also providing support for challenges they may face outside of school.
Through our established connections with a range of support organisations and our BUSY Health service, we ensure that students have access to additional services and resources when needed.
We recently sat down with Christi Hoover, our newly appointed Head of Wellbeing and Support for The BUSY Schools in Queensland, to ask about her role and how it will further support the schools’ focus on wellbeing as a vital tool for student’s success.
Can you tell us a bit about your working history before coming to The BUSY School?
Before joining the BUSY school, I worked across tertiary and secondary education, including being a teacher, student support coordinator and program director. My educational background includes Human Kinetics, Education, Nutrition, and lastly a Masters in Guidance and Counselling, which gives me a very balanced and holistic approach when it comes to health and wellbeing. Most recently, I was the Regional Director of Operations of the Asia Pacific for a global education organisation. I lead teams across Australia, New Zealand, China and Sri Lanka, supporting students, while developing and implementing process and programming.
I am a certified counsellorand have also done significant work in crisis support and management, inclusive education and strategic development. I am a lifelong learner, who strives to facilitate connection, inclusion, intercultural agility and celebrate diversity.
What does your role as Head of Student Wellbeing and Support entail?
In my role as Head of Student Wellbeing and Support at The BUSY School, I will lead the implementation of frameworks and best practices for wellbeing and support across campuses. I see myself as a support for our incredible teams who are working directly with students.
I hope to be a strong resource and advocate, and I look forward to developing programs and processes that will benefit our staff as well as the health and wellbeing of our students, enhancing their experience and engagement.
Can you describe an average day for you and your work at The BUSY School?
Since I’ve started about a month ago, there hasn’t been an average day! My days will include developing operational pieces, offering support to our campuses, and developing connections across our school, external networks and service providers. I also engage in professional learning, research, and advocacy to ensure compliance and best practice in learning support and wellbeing. I want to develop programs and processes which are impactful and offer exceptional support to our students and staff.
How does student wellbeing impact a young person’s educational outcomes?
One of the reasons that I was excited to join BUSY, was because I strongly believe in education bringing about transformation and that wellbeing impacts on a physical, emotional and mental level. Research confirms that wellbeing is foundational to learning. When young people feel safe, supported, and valued, they’re more likely to attend school, engage in learning, and build resilience.
At The BUSY School, I can see firsthand how individualised support can transform a student’s trajectory—helping them re-engage with education, build confidence and pursue meaningful pathways. There is so much meaning in what we do and that will be a great motivator for me!
What kind of wellbeing and support services are on offer for students at The BUSY School?
BUSY is known for wrap around support, which I love. A whole school approach when it comes to restorative and trauma informed practice is an incredible foundation for offering support services. On every campus there are experienced, empathetic and caring staff, who really acknowledge and value their students, which is so impactful. Every campus I’ve been to, I’ve noticed the connection and investment in establishing rapport and relationships. Each campus has dedicated support, including in the classroom with dedicated learning support teachers and teacher aides, or through our education youth workers.
These support teams also work with employment placement officers and with BUSY Health prac, to ensure there is guidance and mental health support throughout their time with us. Students have diverse needs and I think BUSY is set up well to help students thrive both in and beyond the classroom.
A little more about you – what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Going to the beach is always at the top of my list. Toes in sand, waves crashing and the sun beaming down is such a happy place which grounds me. I also like to get to the gym, run and cheer on my kids playing sports. It’s hard to beat good live music, and sharing laughs with my partner and friends. Daily, I tap into gratitude. Taking a few moments to reflect on what I’m grateful is a practice that I really value and get a lot of benefit from.
What is your favourite motto in life
“Be kind” – and I also try to lean into “Live the life you imagine”.
Christi Hoover recently started with The BUSY School as the new Head of Wellbeing and Support.
