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What is BlendED?

BlendED is a different kind of school for young people who experience barriers to attending an onsite school.

We combine teacher-led online learning with in-person connection and dedicated Youth Worker wellbeing support. Our approach is flexible, relationship-based and built around each young person, helping them reconnect with education in a way that feels safe, supported and achievable.

Part of Saints College, a registered Victorian school

BlendED is part of Saints College and operates as a registered campus under EREA Victorian Schools Ltd (EREA VSL).

We are fully registered with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and funded by the Victorian and Australian governments, so there are no school fees for families.

Who does BlendED enrol?

BlendED supports young people who experience barriers to attending an onsite school, including anxiety, neurodivergence, bullying, trauma, mental health challenges or other circumstances that make traditional schooling difficult.

We offer:

  • Years 7–10 Victorian Curriculum
  • Victorian Certificate of Education Vocational Major (VCE VM)
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways

Our dedicated Pathways Team works with senior young people and their families to explore the most appropriate pathway towards further education, training or employment.

Meet our team

Michael Crowe​

Executive Principal

Michael has undergone several career transitions, all marked by a dedication to formative leadership and the creation of innovative programs tailored for young individuals who thrive in alternative learning settings.

With a decade of experience in Flexible Learning, Michael has cultivated a deep passion for the opportunities their programs offer to the most at-risk youth in communities. 

Richard McCann

Acting Principal

As Acting Principal of BlendED, Richie is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment that supports all young people in their educational journey.

With a strong focus on student wellbeing, innovative curriculum design, and flexible learning pathways, Richie works closely with staff, students, and families to ensure every learner has the opportunity to succeed. Passionate about tailored education, they lead strategic initiatives that enhance student engagement, foster academic growth, and promote a positive school culture.

Debra Bonde

Deputy Principal, Operations

Debra is an experienced educational leader passionate about supporting young people throughout their educational journey. Having worked across Victoria, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory, she brings extensive experience in wellbeing, teaching and learning, school operations, strategic leadership, change management, and compliance, underpinned by a trauma-informed approach.

Debra is committed to creating inclusive learning environments that uphold high expectations, quality practice, and strong relationships. She believes every young person deserves a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where they can and reach their full potential.

Kim Paatsch

Deputy Principal, Teaching & Learning

Kim is a values‑driven education leader, focused on delivering high‑quality, inclusive online learning that empowers young people through choice, connection and belonging.

Grounded in the science of learning, she leads the development of a knowledge‑rich curriculum and brings a calm, relational approach to collaborative practice. Her work centres on improving outcomes for young people by ensuring every learner is understood, supported, and able to pursue goals that matter to them.

Rebecca Stella

Deputy Principal - Wellbeing

Stella is passionate about supporting young people from diverse backgrounds, helping them engage meaningfully and holistically with education. Stella has built her professional career walking alongside young people who have significant barriers to engaging in education throughout Victoria. With 15 years of experience in flexible education, she specialises in trauma-informed care and healing-oriented practices. She works closely with youth workers, social workers, and allied health professionals to ensure each student at BlendED receives a personalised and comprehensive wellbeing experience.

What is 'School Can't'?

School Can't describes the very real barriers that can stop a young person from attending school, even when they genuinely want to.

It can be linked to anxiety, trauma, mental health challenges, neurodivergence, bullying or past experiences that have made school feel unsafe or overwhelming.

For some young people, this might look like difficulty leaving the house or feeling unwell before school. For others, it can mean extended periods of absence or a loss of confidence and connection to education.

School Can’t isn’t defiance, poor behaviour or a lack of motivation. We look at what’s getting in the way and what a young person needs to feel safe, connected and able to engage in education.

How BlendED Supports Young People

BlendED supports young people whose access to education has been disrupted by School Can’t or other barriers to attending an onsite school.

Young people who come to BlendED may have experienced:

  • Anxiety or fear related to school
  • Neurodivergence or mental health challenges
  • Bullying, trauma or social exclusion
  • Feeling overwhelmed by busy school environments
  • Extended periods of absence or disengagement from education
  • Other circumstances that make attending an onsite school difficult

Our Approach

We meet young people where they’re at and work in partnership with them and their families to make education feel achievable again. We:

  • Build relationships based on safety, trust and respect
  • Listen to each young person’s needs, strengths and goals
  • Develop personalised learning plans
  • Combine online learning with wellbeing support and in-person connection
  • Give young people a voice in their learning
  • Support engagement gradually and without judgement