Well-being
The Wellbeing Team: Isabella Farrar, Caitlin Elliott, Pat Pekin, Louise Rogers & Suzanne Trease
Minus18 at Sandringham College
Minus18 is a Melbourne based charity that aims to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth by building social inclusion, educating, advocating, and empowering youth. Throughout the year, we have been lucky enough to have a Minus 18 educator deliver workshops to our Year 9 students.
The workshops were delivered by an open and engaging young person who offered the students a unique perspective as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The students were introduced to LGBTQIA+ identities, concepts and terminology whilst also being given the opportunity to build empathy and connection though hearing relatable and personal stories. By building our knowledge of gender and sexuality, along with learning about some of the experiences and barriers faced by students who are LGBTQIA+, students were encouraged to explore the ways to take action and safely support peers.
Special mention to our Year 9 Djeembana coordinators for organising this incredible opportunity to develop our knowledge of how we can celebrate diversity and respect each other!!!
The importance of LGBTQIA+ education
Sandringham College is committed to ensuring that all our students have a safe and enjoyable experience while at school. 'Respect' being one of the college's values, we believe it is imperative that we support our students to respectfully engage with others, and to develop their skills to hold others to account to practice respect.
We have several students across both campus' who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, and we recognise the disadvantage that they may face. "Compared to the general population, LGBTQIA+ people are two and a half times more likely to have been diagnosed or treated for a mental health condition in the past 12 months". It has been the national shift towards acceptance, and the criminalisation of discrimination, that has seen a reduction of the impact that poor mental and physical health has on the lives of LGBTQIA+ people. Nonetheless, they are still "six times more likely to experience depression compared to the general population". These statistics serve as a reminder that LGBTQIA+ people require specific and individualised supports and it is necessary that we actively educate the general population.
Through participating in LGBTQIA+ educational and awareness days including Wear it Purple Day, International Day again LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT Day) and Transgender awareness week, there can be further scope for the wider community to be engaged in the bettering of our world for the LGBTQIA+ community, and for them to exist without discrimination or disadvantage.
To learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community and how you can better support them, please head to the Minus18 website https://www.minus18.org.au/
Information and statistics gained from; Snapshot of mental health and suicide prevention statistics for LGBTIQ+ people, October, 2021. LGBTIQ+ Health Australia https://assets.nationbuilder.com/lgbtihealth/pages/549/attachments/original/1648014801/24.10.21_Snapshot_of_MHSP_Statistics_for_LGBTIQ__People_-_Revised.pdf?1648014801
As we head into holidays, the Wellbeing staff wish to outline some exciting events happening in the Kingston, Bayside and Stonnington areas over the Christmas/Summer holidays. From the Wellbeing team we hope you have a joyous Christmas and enjoy a restful summer holidays.
What’s on during the school holidays:
Kingston City Council
- Dingley Village immunisation session
Starting December 14th of December then every second Wednesday of the month
Dingley Village Neighbourhood House, 31b Marcus Road, Dingley Village 3172 - Santa’s lost his ho, ho, ho event
An interactive theatre event for families and those with young siblings!
Parkdale Library, 96 Parkers Road, Parkdale 3195
Please contact the Kingston City Council for more details or head to their website, details are below:
Ph: 1300 653 356
Website: https://www.kingston.vic.gov.au/community/events/upcoming-events
Bayside City Council
- Bayside Farmers Marker
Saturday 24th of December to 24th of August at Trey Bit Reserve, Jetty Road Sandringham - Better Health Program
Saturday 24th of December to 24th of May 2024 - Beaumaris Community Christmas Carols
Saturday 24th of December - Kelly Sports Metro (South East Melbourne)
9th of January to 20th of January ($50 cost) - “Do Your Thing”, Youth Performer Call Out
Bayside City Council is offering young performers a platform to do their thing at our youth events and across our social media channels! We run events, programs, and activities for young people in the local area and often partner with other community festivals and events that are happening across Bayside.
Beginner, intermediate, pro, dancer, singer, slam poet, rap group, magician, actress, lyrical or comical genius? Whatever it is that you do and at whatever skill level, we want you to do your thing and if you would love the world to see (or at least the local community!), then register now!
Requirements:
• Aged 12-25 years old
• Live, work, study or recreate in Bayside
Bayside Council is also running a school holiday program with a range of activities!
Activity: Outdoor Laser Tag Activity: Abstract Art Workshop
Date: January 10 Date: January 12
Time: 10.15am-12.15pm Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Drop off/pick up: Moorabbin Drop off/pick up: Highett
What to bring: Water bottle What to bring: Water bottle, comfortable clothes
comfortable clothing Cost: $35
Cost: $30
Activity: Beach Day Activity: BBQ Hangout
Date: January 17 Date: January 19
Time: 10am-12pm Time: 12pm-2.30pm
Drop off/pick up: Hampton Drop off/pick up: Highett
What to bring: Water bottle What to bring: Water bottle
towel, sun protection, clothes to get wet Cost: $15
Cost: $10
For more information and to book your child's place, please visit: bayside.vic.gov.au/SHP or scan the QR code above
Bayside Youth Ambassadors
Bayside City Council are relaunching the Bayside Youth Ambassadors, a youth action group delivered by Bayside City Council Youth Services.
The program gives young people an opportunity to come together and discuss the matters that affect them most in Bayside.
The committee is open to young people 12 – 25 years who have a connection to the City of Bayside and are eager to have their voices heard in our wider community. The once-a-month commitment will offer young people amazing personal development training and the opportunity to consult on things happening in Bayside that impact young people.
Young people will come together with other Bayside young leaders, address our Councillors and MPs and have their say about issues from the environment, employment, transport and health as well as gaining valuable skills in leadership and advocacy.
Visit their website to find out more information or sign up to be part of this awesome youth-led panel.
Please contact the Bayside City Council for more details or head to their website, details below:
Ph: (03) 9599 4444
Website: https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/
Parents need a break too!
As a school, we understand that for parents, there really is no "off-switch." Even when a child grows beyond the walls of Sandringham College, the need for a parent's care, support and guidance does not stop. So just when do parents have time to themselves? Well, they have to make time...
We recommend that you, as parents, encourage your children to take up these opportunities of holiday activities for them to not only partake in something fun and different, but for you to equally use the time to give yourself time out. It can also be beneficial to speak with other parents to encourage groups of students to participate, while you socialise or have time to yourself. So even though the holiday period is an important one to spend together, please make time for yourself also. After all, you can't pour from an empty cup!