4 November 2025

Supporting Students to Thrive

A school-based youth support program is helping students in Moreton Bay stay engaged in their education by providing vital services and targeted support.

At Murrumba State Secondary College, Patience Thorton-Whiu, part of Lutheran Services’ Intercept Youth and Family Program, works full-time with students, their families and educators. Drawing on her personal experiences and a Bachelor of Psychology, Patience helps students navigate the challenges of high school with compassion and expertise.

Patience supports students across a range of areas, including emotion regulation, study and time management, healthy relationships and personal goal setting. She meets with students each day to provide guidance, offers one-on-one counselling for those with greater needs and runs group programs on resilience and anger management. She also coordinates school holiday programs that help students build social skills, confidence and a sense of belonging.

Working closely with families and the community, Patience ensures students have access to essential support, from practical resources to emotional guidance.

Thank you to Patience and the Intercept program for their dedication and the positive impact they make every day.