Free School Resources
At ConnectEd, we really value sharing with our community. We believe we all do better when we can make use of the wisdom and experience of others and adapt it to suit our own unique context. And that is why we have set up this page!
Below you will find resources that have been submitted by our community to be used free for our community, as well as videos that our team at ConnectEd have made and shared for free. A bit like a community library, we want people to share what they have and borrow what they need
Here’s how it works…
Free to share and free to use!
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Free videos - School Psychologists and Counsellors
School psychologists and counsellors
10 Videos
Video description
Special discount for ConnectEd followers. Mention ConnectEd and get
- Free extended 60 day trial
- Save $800(+GST) on your onboarding fee
(we get a small commission if you mention us – but it does not increase your cost)
Helpful resources to share with your head of counselling, line manager or principal (whoever you need to convince!)
- One pager – simple summary of the key information
- Detailed overview of the software
About the PD
Join Dr Matt O’Connor (Clinical and School Psychologist) and Clinton and Hayli (FocusCS) for a practical, one-hour professional development session designed for school psychologists and counsellors. We’ll introduce you to FocusCS – a purpose-built software for school counsellors, created to be an all-in-one case management platform to provide your counselling service.
With the growing pressure around documentation, compliance and communication, FocusCS helps teams streamline their processes – from case notes and digital forms to reporting and secure data management.
This session includes a live demonstration of FocusCS in action, along with an interactive Q+A, giving you the chance to explore its features and ask how it might work in your setting.
What do we cover?
Why FocusCS was built for school‑based teams – and how it adapts to real‑world practice What makes FocusCS unique (hint: it integrates with your school database!) How to digitise and streamline case notes, forms and reports Getting meaningful data and reports to support quality care and pastoral insight How FocusCS supports compliance, security, and reduces workload Real examples of how schools use it to centralise files, track students and save admin time Live demo + opportunity to ask questions and explore the platform in real time
Video description
This free 30-minute webinar is designed to support school psychologists and counsellors as they navigate the mid-year pressures of working in schools.
We’ll take a moment to pause, reflect, and reset — looking at what’s showing up in schools across the country in 2025, and sharing some practical strategies to help manage the demands of Semester 2 with clarity and confidence.
Together, we’ll explore:
Together, we’ll explore:
The growing pressure to respond immediately to students in distress — and how to manage this expectation with care and professionalism
Documentation overload and how to avoid drowning in admin
Role creep and boundary challenges — especially when you’re pulled in every direction
Practical triage strategies for managing demand (without burning out)
Taking back control of your calendar and workloadWhether you’re feeling energised, stretched, or somewhere in between, this is your chance to regroup before the second half of the year kicks in. You’ll leave with a few tools, a bit of perspective, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this work.
Video description
AI and digital systems are advancing at an incredible speed. One of the newest developments in healthcare is the creation of systems that allow for live transcription of sessions, which then utilise AI systems to generate drafts of notes, letters and reports.
Join Dr Matt O’Connor – Clinical and School Psychologist – for an introduction to this technology. Matt will give the system a go live and we can have a look together about what it looks like in real time and how it can be used
More broadly, we’ll have a look at:
1) What is it and how does it work?!
2) How you can use it in schools/your work
3) Discussion around compliance considerations
This is such an evolving world and while Dr Matt doesn’t promise to have all the answers, it can be great to connect with one another to discuss and think about the pros, cons and all the other practical details involved in using new technology
Video description
School Psychologists and Counselors – are you curious about the role of AI in school psychology and counselling? Join Dr Matt O’Connor for a practical and useful Facebook Live session as we explore the use of ChatGPT in educational settings.
**Wondering why the auto-generated captions don’t line up with the video? Us too! Blame Facebook!**
Learn how this cutting-edge technology can complement your work, from providing additional support materials to adapting programs and interventions to suit your context. Whether you’re intrigued by AI or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will provide valuable insights and strategies for incorporating ChatGPT into your practice.
In this informative half-hour session, we’ll cover:
Introduction to ChatGPT: Understand the basics of this AI tool and its capabilities.
Practical Applications: Discover how ChatGPT can be integrated into counselling sessions, group programs, and educational support.
Tips and Tricks: Learn best practices for using ChatGPT effectively in your daily work.Whether you’re experienced or new to the field, this session aims to provide you with practical knowledge to enhance your practice.
***Did Chat GPT write this description? Yes. Yes it did!***
Video description
Join Dr Matt O’Connor (Clinical and School Psychologist) and Meg Foley (Principal – Omni Academies of Learning) as they share valuable tips and ideas to ensure a smooth and positive transition into high school.
We know how exciting and daunting this change can be – for the future high school student AND the parents. Join Matt and Meg as they address common concerns and provide practical strategies to help students thrive in their new environment.
Also learn more about a new high school, opening in Toowong, Brisbane in 2025 – Omni Academies of Learning (https://www.omniacademies.org/). Hear about the philosophy of the school, the principles that guide the education of the whole person and the opportunities this will offer.
Video description
In this short and practical webinar for school psychologists and counsellors, we’ll be covering essential tips and insights to ensure your first 30 days and the rest of the school year start, and continue, well
Topics we’ll dive into: Your first 30 days: Practical strategies to make the most of your initial weeks. Help you focus on building strong relationships, establishing and re-establishing your connection with your community Tips for starting off well: Revisit your role definition and how you communicate this and plan how to make the best use of technology to improve your efficiency What to be thinking about for the year: set your plan so the year doesn’t roll away from you! What can you focus on to improve the mental health and wellbeing of your school community AND your job satisfaction
**About the Presenter: Dr Matt O’ConnorDr Matt is a Clinical and School Psychologist, academic, presenter and Director of Brisbane-based clinic, ConnectEd Counselling and Consultancy (www.connectedcc.com.au), which provides therapeutic services to families, and consultancy services to the education and corporate sectors.
He is highly regarded throughout Australia for his unique and engaging presentation style, and ability to balance practical and grounded discussions, with ‘bigger picture’ concepts. His career as a psychologist has focussed on the delivery of school-based psychological and pastoral care services, with a special focus on systems and processes. His work has included hundreds of presentations to psychologists, schools, staff, parents and students, as well as publications and conference presentations on topics including risk management processes, outdoor education, and school-counselling data.
He is a sought-after supervisor and consultant, often in the areas of school structures and supporting psychologists and schools to identify opportunities to improve school pastoral care and wellbeing processes.
Video description
This webinar explores how Chat-GPT can be used to support students with diverse learning needs. It will provide ideas for educators in support of the amazing work that they do, as well as recommendations for how it can be used to support students in their school.
This webinar is for educators, school psychologists/counsellors/guidance officers
Join Michelle Pullen – Educational and Developmental Psychologist, as well as former teacher and school psychologist as she take you through how this technology can be leveraged to the benefit of school staff and students alike!
Video description
Join Dr Matt O’Connor – clinical and school psychologist, and Director of Brisbane-based psychology clinic for young people and parents – as we work through the joys and challenges of the parenting journey. This series of FREE interactive webinars delivers a practical and enjoyable 30 min live chat , full of useful tips and the opportunity to ask Dr Matt questions on the topic
This short and practical webinar will focus on helping you (and your teen!) to start the new school year on the right foot. There are a lot of challenges with settling back in, but getting some basics right will help pave the way for a great year!
Video description
Free parenting webinar: Dealing with feelings -together 
Hey parents! 
Join Dr Matt O’Connor for a down-to-earth and practical half-hour event where we’ll chat about navigating the wonderful world of emotions with our little ones.
Join Dr Matt O’Connor for a down-to-earth and practical half-hour event where we’ll chat about navigating the wonderful world of emotions with our little ones.
What’s on the Agenda: Let’s Talk Emotions:Ever wondered what’s up with those feelings? We’ll break it down and explore why emotions are pretty cool (even the big ones)
Feeling the Feels:How do you and your kiddos experience emotions? Learn about how we think and talk about emotions and the impact this can have on how we feel them
What’s Emotion Coaching?:Learn about emotion coaching. Spoiler alert: it’s a fantastic tool for making the emotional journey smoother for both parents and kids. It’s all about building strong connections and helping our kids handle life’s ups and downs.
Practical Tips for Everyday Life:No fancy theories here—just practical tips for weaving emotion coaching into your everyday parenting
We’ve got plenty more free content on our facebook page – give it a like! https://www.facebook.com/Connectedcounsellingandconsultancy
And get in touch with our clinic: https://connectedcc.com.au/
Video description
While some of the stereotypes about children, tweens and teens have kernels of truth, the reality is that they are still your child and they still need and want connection with you. Our challenge as parents is to evolve that with them and find ways to continue to grow.
Join Dr Matt O’Connor – Clinical and School Psychologist – for this short and practical webinar, focusing on the aspects of parenting that emphasise and improve your connection and relationship with your child/teen.
You will learn about why these relationships are so important (to you and to them) and strategies for maintaining and growing those connections
Free videos - Schools
Schools
8 Videos
Video description
In this recorded session, Dr Matt shares simple but powerful ways parents can build strong, respectful partnerships with teachers and schools — laying the groundwork for clearer communication, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger support for your child.
Whether you’re new to school life or navigating a few bumps along the way, this session will give you the confidence and clarity to:
✅ connect on the right foot with your child’s teacher
✅ communicate your child’s needs in a way that builds trust and collaboration
✅ handle concerns or tricky moments without things becoming tense or emotional
✅ support the work and culture of school at home (and vice versa)
✅ understand the difference between being an involved vs. an engaged parent — and how to do both well
This session is ideal for parents and carers of primary or early secondary-aged children who want to:
🍎 feel more confident communicating with teachers
🍎 learn practical ways to support their child’s learning and wellbeing
🍎 build stronger connections with their child’s school
🍎 avoid common misunderstandings or communication breakdowns
You’ll come away with fresh insights, practical strategies, and the tools to be an empowered and effective partner in your child’s education.
Video description
Join Dr Matt O’Connor (Clinical and School Psychologist) and Meg Foley (Principal – Omni Academies of Learning) as they share valuable tips and ideas to ensure a smooth and positive transition into high school.
We know how exciting and daunting this change can be – for the future high school student AND the parents. Join Matt and Meg as they address common concerns and provide practical strategies to help students thrive in their new environment.
Also learn more about a new high school, opening in Toowong, Brisbane in 2025 – Omni Academies of Learning (https://www.omniacademies.org/). Hear about the philosophy of the school, the principles that guide the education of the whole person and the opportunities this will offer.
Video description
Pastoral care roles often sit at the heart of a school — but carrying the emotional load of students, families and staff can leave little time to reflect, recalibrate, or breathe.
In this free 30-minute webinar, Dr Matt O’Connor will guide you through a practical mid-year check-in. We’ll explore what’s showing up across schools in 2025, and share a few strategies to help you manage competing pressures, support others effectively, and lead wellbeing work without running on empty.
Together, we’ll explore:
The growing expectation to provide instant emotional support — and how to respond helpfully without becoming the default crisis manager
Increasing complexity in student needs and how to prioritise wisely
Practical tools and strategies to lighten the load
Taking care of yourself proactivelyWhether you’re a head of house, director of wellbeing, year level coordinator or simply the go-to support person, this is your chance to regroup and recharge before the second half of the year kicks off.
Video description
While some of the stereotypes about children, tweens and teens have kernels of truth, the reality is that they are still your child and they still need and want connection with you. Our challenge as parents is to evolve that with them and find ways to continue to grow.
Join Dr Matt O’Connor – Clinical and School Psychologist – for this short and practical webinar, focusing on the aspects of parenting that emphasise and improve your connection and relationship with your child/teen.
You will learn about why these relationships are so important (to you and to them) and strategies for maintaining and growing those connections
Video description
Are you a school pastoral carer looking to enhance your role in supporting students’ well-being? Join us for a practical and useful Facebook Live event presented by Dr Matt O’Connor, an expert in supporting pastoral carers and school psychologists/counsellors in Australian schools
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿?**1. Practical Tips for the First 30 Days 
**
**– Navigate the initial challenges of your role with expert advice on establishing rapport with students.
– Discover effective strategies for handling common pastoral care scenarios and building a foundation for trust.
—–
**2. Defining Your Role 
**
**– Reflect on the multifaceted role of a pastoral carer in a school setting.
– Identify opportunities for role clarity, which will help you do the work you are best at doing!
—–
**3. Connecting with Your Students – Practical Counselling Skills 
**
**– Understand the art of active listening and effective communication techniques to create a safe space for students to express themselves.
**About the Presenter: Dr Matt O’ConnorDr Matt is a Clinical and School Psychologist, academic, presenter and Director of Brisbane-based clinic, ConnectEd Counselling and Consultancy (www.connectedcc.com.au), which provides therapeutic services to families, and consultancy services to the education and corporate sectors.
He is highly regarded throughout Australia for his unique and engaging presentation style, and ability to balance practical and grounded discussions, with ‘bigger picture’ concepts. His career as a psychologist has focussed on the delivery of school-based psychological and pastoral care services, with a special focus on systems and processes. His work has included hundreds of presentations to psychologists, schools, staff, parents and students, as well as publications and conference presentations on topics including risk management processes, outdoor education, and school-counselling data.
He is a sought-after supervisor and consultant, often in the areas of school structures and supporting psychologists and schools to identify opportunities to improve school pastoral care and wellbeing processes.
Video description
his webinar explores how Chat-GPT can be used to support students with diverse learning needs. It will provide ideas for educators in support of the amazing work that they do, as well as recommendations for how it can be used to support students in their school.
This webinar is for educators, school psychologists/counsellors/guidance officers
Join Michelle Pullen – Educational and Developmental Psychologist, as well as former teacher and school psychologist as she take you through how this technology can be leveraged to the benefit of school staff and students alike!
Video description
Join Dr Matt O’Connor – clinical and school psychologist, and Director of Brisbane-based psychology clinic for young people and parents – as we work through the joys and challenges of the parenting journey. This series of FREE interactive webinars delivers a practical and enjoyable 30 min live chat , full of useful tips and the opportunity to ask Dr Matt questions on the topic
This short and practical webinar will focus on helping you (and your teen!) to start the new school year on the right foot. There are a lot of challenges with settling back in, but getting some basics right will help pave the way for a great year!
Video description
Free parenting webinar: Dealing with feelings -together
Hey parents! Join Dr Matt O’Connor for a down-to-earth and practical half-hour event where we’ll chat about navigating the wonderful world of emotions with our little ones.
Join Dr Matt O’Connor for a down-to-earth and practical half-hour event where we’ll chat about navigating the wonderful world of emotions with our little ones. What’s on the Agenda: Let’s Talk Emotions:Ever wondered what’s up with those feelings? We’ll break it down and explore why emotions are pretty cool (even the big ones)
Feeling the Feels:How do you and your kiddos experience emotions? Learn about how we think and talk about emotions and the impact this can have on how we feel them
What’s Emotion Coaching?:Learn about emotion coaching. Spoiler alert: it’s a fantastic tool for making the emotional journey smoother for both parents and kids. It’s all about building strong connections and helping our kids handle life’s ups and downs.
Practical Tips for Everyday Life:No fancy theories here—just practical tips for weaving emotion coaching into your everyday parenting
We’ve got plenty more free content on our facebook page – give it a like! https://www.facebook.com/Connectedcounsellingandconsultancy
And get in touch with our clinic: https://connectedcc.com.au/
Download resources
This section includes all uploaded documents. You can search by keyword or scroll down to view documents listed under each of the following categories:
Starting primary school transition guide - parents
Starting primary school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - parents
Box breathing
Thinking errors
Support contact list
Student referral to counselling form - student completed
Student referral to counselling form - staff completed
Student referral to counselling form - parent completed
Sharing of information form
My feelings chart
Educational assessment referral form
Consent for the use of AI transcribing in counselling
Consent for group sessions
Consent for educational assessment form
Counsent to counselling and information exchange form - parent
Consent to counselling and information exchange form - mature minor
Assessment consent terms and process
Suicide risk assessment
SOAP note
Risk assessment
Mandatory report
Clinical observation record
Supporting your child with anxiety
SOAR pastoral notes
Digital scribing consent form
Support services for parents involved in family law issues
ConnectEd Information for Referrers
Supporting your child to see a psychologist
- 1
- 2
Classroom supports
Starting primary school transition guide - parents
Starting primary school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - parents
Box breathing
Thinking errors
Support contact list
Student referral to counselling form - student completed
Student referral to counselling form - staff completed
Student referral to counselling form - parent completed
Crisis and risk management
Intervention resources
Box breathing
Thinking errors
My feelings chart
Educational assessment referral form
Consent for the use of AI transcribing in counselling
Consent for group sessions
Consent for educational assessment form
Counsent to counselling and information exchange form - parent
Consent to counselling and information exchange form - mature minor
Suicide risk assessment
Parent resources
Starting primary school transition guide - parents
Starting primary school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - parents
Box breathing
Thinking errors
Support contact list
Student referral to counselling form - parent completed
Supporting your child with anxiety
Support services for parents involved in family law issues
Pastoral Care Resources
Starting primary school transition guide - parents
Starting primary school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - parents
Box breathing
Thinking errors
Support contact list
Student referral to counselling form - staff completed
Sharing of information form
My feelings chart
Policies
Student referral to counselling form - student completed
Student referral to counselling form - staff completed
Student referral to counselling form - parent completed
Sharing of information form
Educational assessment referral form
Consent for the use of AI transcribing in counselling
Consent for group sessions
Consent for educational assessment form
Counsent to counselling and information exchange form - parent
Consent to counselling and information exchange form - mature minor
Processes
Starting primary school transition guide - parents
Starting primary school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - parents
Student referral to counselling form - student completed
Student referral to counselling form - staff completed
Student referral to counselling form - parent completed
Sharing of information form
Educational assessment referral form
Consent for the use of AI transcribing in counselling
Resources - General
Starting primary school transition guide - parents
Starting primary school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - school staff
Starting high school transition guide - parents
Box breathing
Thinking errors
Support contact list
Student referral to counselling form - student completed
Student referral to counselling form - staff completed
Student referral to counselling form - parent completed
File upload
Use this form below to upload your files
Remember – as a community project, this will be of most value when people are willing and able to share
A few things…
- Make sure you have permission to share the file. If it is something you have made/developed for your own use and/or you’ve gotten permission from your school, you should be good to go
- Do NOT share something that you have gotten from another source online unless you are certain it is free to share
- You could use ChatGPT to de-identify a resource for you but please make sure no school name, logo or identifying information is on there
- Use the form below to add your info and 1 file at a time. Give the file a useful description so people can easily search it