Student Services : Wellbeing
IDAHOBIT Day 2021
Rainbow was the accessory of choice last Monday 17 May to celebrate International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, and Intersex Discrimination (IDAHOBIT). IDAHOBIT draws attention to the violence and discrimination often experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics. Did you know that the date for IDAHOBIT was chosen in commemoration World Health Organization’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder?
About 75% of young people who are same sex attracted, or gender diverse experience some form of homophobic or transphobic abuse. Realising what transphobic or homophobic abuse looks like is a big part in creating change, and you might not even realise you’re doing it. Abuse can really affect how people feel physically and mentally, and has a big impact on their lives, so it’s really important to take a stand against it.
On IDAHOBIT Day wearing rainbow shows support for the LGBTIQIA+ community, you can check out the Student Services team showing their support in the photo below! If you want to support your friends, or yourself, check out these websites for some great IDAHOBITY and LGBTIQA+ links.
Vaping : understanding the risks for young people
We are revisiting vaping this newsletter as we are still seeing an increase in vaping. E Cigarettes or 'vaping' is a health and safety concern for students and young people in our community who are often unaware of the risks associated with the practice. Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapour produced by an e-cigarette or electronic vaporizer. The vapour can contain nicotine and other substances and may expose users to chemicals and toxins which are harmful to health. The devices are small and can be easily hidden in a pocket or bag. The most popular disposable vapes resemble large USB sticks or highlighter pens. Parents, carers, and the community can support the school and our students by being informed about this ongoing concern and to speak to their children about making positive decisions.
Parents play an important role in helping their children make decisions about vaping. Please see strategies below that other parents have found helpful.
Tips that may help a young person to quit:
1. The 4 D’s: Delay, Drink water, Deep breathe, Do something else.
2. Be active when you feel like vaping.
3. Get together with a friend to quit.
4. Throw e-cigarettes away.
5. Do something that is fun with a friend who doesn’t vape.
6. Change routine, e.g. try eating lunch in a different place or with different people.
7. Pick something to save up for, and put your vape money towards it!
8. Find new ways to cope with stress or anger, eg. talk to a friend, exercise.
9. Keep hands busy, eg. drawing.
10. Reminder cards to leave in wallet, bag, or room to be reminded that you do not vape anymore.
Services that can provide you with information or advice about vaping include:
Quitline www.quit.org.au Phone: 13 78 48
Parentline 1300 30 1300
Raising Children www.raisingchildren.net.au
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/e-cigarettes-vaping https://cdn.adf.org.au/media/documents/Vaping_MiniBulletin.pdf
Welcome to new team member Ellie Heald
Hi everyone I'm Ellie, and I’m the newest member of the Learning Support Team, helping out in Year 7 this year. I recently moved here from Mildura, where I was running a youth centre for local young people.
In my spare time I enjoy reading, listening to records, going to the Preston Market and going to gigs. I'm really looking forward to working with everyone at Northcote High.
We have had a couple of changes to our Student Services team. Please see below for information on our current roles.
Leanne Petroff - Head of Student Services
Kat Brissett - Mental Health Practitioner
Megan Simmons – Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator Years 7,11,12
Sabatinie Balasooriya – Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator Years 8,9,10 & PSD Co-ordinator
Lauren Pilakis – Secondary School Nurse
Julia Kefford – PSD Co-ordinator
Booma Burgess – Careers Practitioner and VET Co-ordinator
Louisa Renard - Careers & VET administration support
Renaud Goyette – Learning Support
Ellie Heald – Learning support
Justine Sayers – Learning Support