Student Wellbeing
Wear It Purple Day
Friday 27th August 2021 was ‘Wear It Purple Day’ a day each year which “strives to foster supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for rainbow young people.” (https://www.wearitpurple.org/) This year, due to being in lockdown our LGBTIQA+ group, Wantirna Alliance, engaged in online trivia, jeopardy and other games with all questions having a ‘Wear It Purple’ theme. This day is one of several on the calendar that means so much to our LGBTIQA+ students and their allies.
Below is one student’s account of the importance of this day:
‘Wear It Purple Day’ means a lot to me because I feel like I am the strongest on these days. There’s many people all over the world who are hiding, but these important days give them strength and it lets them be them. I'm also so happy that my friends are so understanding. They make me feel at home and it’s so good. If you're worried that others won’t accept you, don’t be. Don’t let anyone make you feel down; it will make you close up. Let people know who you are and if they don’t accept it then they’re not your true friends. ‘Wear It Purple Day’ and Pride Month are the best of times. Just know that you'll find friends who love and accept you for you.
‘Still Me’
Filmed on the grounds of Wantirna College, the new short film, 'Still Me' premiered on ‘Wear it Purple Day’. Created by the Knox Rainbow Youth Action Group, in collaboration with Momentum Studios Australia and Knox City Council Youth Services, ‘Still Me’ – Starring Alanah Parkin (The Grand Scheme, Blackwood) & Kelsie Adelaide (MASKED, Flunk) - follows the story of a non-binary teenager (Bailey). After coming to terms with their identity it's time for them to come out at school and navigate what this means for their social life. However, this proves harder than they anticipate and Bailey is faced with a choice between social ridicule or the closet. Luckily, Bailey makes a new friend named Zach.
Please watch this amazing film at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NtrKCmQRTM
Here are some of our staff and furry friends supporting ‘Wear It Purple Day’:
Support Services
The Wellbeing Team have compiled a range of resources and support services for students and families to access via Compass under Community (the two people) – School Documentation – For Students/For Parents – Wellbeing Resources.
Youth support services
headspace: visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre or call eheadspace on 1800 650 890
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
ReachOut: reachout.com.au
SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org
National 24/7 crisis services
Lifeline:13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Parent Support
Parentline 13 22 89
If you would like further ongoing support, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family General Practitioner (G.P) where you can discuss the concerns that you may behaving. The G.P. will then be able to make the appropriate referral for ongoing support as required.
Would you like to speak to someone from the Student Wellbeing Team?
The role of the Student Wellbeing Team at the College is to coordinate a range of appropriate services to support young people and their families. Please contact a member of the Student Wellbeing Team at the College if we can be of any assistance on 9801 9700. In some cases, your phone call may be re-directed to the member of the team that can support you with your specific concern.
Student Wellbeing Team
@wcwellbeinghub
Katrina Katz
kat@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Guiseppe Relia
grl@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Sanela Avdic
sav@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Lea Marrison
lmr@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
