Student Wellbeing
Preparing for High School
The later years of primary school are a good time to start preparing your child for high school. You can help them with these tips:
Show enthusiasm
Start talking about high school with your child throughout the year leading up to the start of high school. Be positive and discuss the things about going to high school that you know they will be interested in—it could be an opportunity to try out for a school band, or to engage in experiments in science. Discuss the subjects they might learn and the friends they might meet.
Listen and acknowledge their concerns
Discuss with your child what they think going to high school will be like. What do they think their classes will be like? What are they most looking forward to? How many kids do they know from their primary school who will be going to their high school? Listening to your child talk may give you some indication of their concerns. If they have concerns, let your child know that you take them seriously, and together work out ways to address them.
Get your child used to their new school
If you can, drive or walk past the high school your child will attend occasionally, and comment on it. For instance, you might talk about the nice garden or the fact that it has a basketball court. This will familiarise your child with the school. Most high schools hold an orientation day to help new students and their parents become familiar with the school. This may include a school tour, meeting fellow students and teachers, and taking part in special lessons and activities. This is a great opportunity for your child to get to know their new school.
Introduce or enhance study routines
Prepare your child for the likely increase in homework by establishing study routines and preparing a study area free from distractions.
Begin or increase focus on time management
Help your child to start scheduling their study and extracurricular activities on a calendar or wall planner, so they appreciate the power of time management.
More information can be found at: https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/articles/preparing-for-high-school
Victorian Child Safety Standards
The new 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards came into effect on Friday 1 July 2022.
In July 2021, the Victorian Government announced new Child Safe Standards (CSS) to further strengthen child safe environments and protect children from abuse.
From 1 July 2022, 11 new child safety standards have replaced the seven previous Child Safe Standards (and principles) which had been in place since 2016. For more information on these Standards, please visit: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/
Here is the Catholic Education Council of Victoria's revised statement of commitment to Child Safety which we abide by:
Support Services Available:
Parent Zone (Eastern Region)
ParentZone Pods - Parenting Podcasts
In late 2021, ParentZone launched a series of parenting podcasts called ParentZone Pods on sibling rivalry, dealing with anxiety, family meetings, getting your children to listen, how to stop yelling at your kids, and how to respond to kids’ behaviour. Due to the success of these podcasts, Anglicare has decided to create another series in 2022. So, watch this space for more helpful topics to aid in your parenting! Check out all ParentZone Pods here.
Parent Resources
Click here for access to the Smiling Mind Website
Smiling Mind’s vision is to help every mind thrive. Their mission is to provide accessible life-long tools to support healthy minds.
Click here for access to the Student Wellbeing Hub Website
It includes sections for parents, teachers and students with practical strategies and resources to support your child's wellbeing.
Click here for Raising Children Network
Reliable, and up-to-date information to help your family grow and thrive together.
Click here for access to Parenting Ideas Blog
It includes articles, testimonials and practical tips on a wide variety of topics.
Click here for Iparent - Office of eSafety Commissioner
To learn about the digital environment and how to help your child have safe and enjoyable online experiences.
Click here for access to CatholicCare
It is a social service agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, they offer a range of programs and services that aim to build and strengthen relationships.
Click here for access to Beyond Blue
This website is regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. And you can stay up-to-date by joining our email community.
Positive Parenting Telephone Service 1800 880 660
Participants complete a workbook or online modules which are supported by weekly 30 minute phone calls with a trained parenting educator. All of this can be done from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you.
Parentline 13 22 89
Parentline is available 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. It is a confidential and anonymous phone counselling service for parents and carers of children and teenagers in Victoria.
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
The Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Counselling is currently offered by phone, Webchat and email.