John Fawkner College Newsletter

Wellbeing

Wellbeing Update:

 

School Breakfast Clubs Program

 

Term 2 has been an exciting and busy time for the Wellbeing Team. We saw the expansion of Foodbank’s School Breakfast Club program to include Cooking Classes for families and we received a $2000 Appliance Grant to support the delivery and continuation of Breakfast Club. A reminder that Breakfast Club is held in the Learning Centre every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:15am – 8:45am. 

 

We acknowledge that there is an increasing pressure on families financially, please reach out if support is needed in relation to material aid; including food support. 

 

Local councils Merri-Bek and Hume are also able to provide support over the school holidays:

Merri-Bek City Council:

Food access and security (merri-bek.vic.gov.au)

Hume City Council: 

Support and relief - Hume City Council

 

ParentZone

ParentZone Northern News provides information on parenting programmes, parenting activities and support services that are available in the Northern Region to assist parents in their parenting role. Current newsletter - Northern Parentzone – Term 3, 2023 - Anglicare Victoria

 

Parent and Carer Survey for Wellbeing Information Sessions

The Wellbeing Team welcomes parent and carer participation in a short survey to be able to tailor information sessions to reflect areas of interest. 

The survey can be accessed by scanning the QR code or clicking the link below: 

https://forms.office.com/r/FaVXAeDXVM

 

Adolescent Health Nurse message on Vaping:

Recent surveys of Australian teenagers show that vaping use is rising, as it has become easier to find and buy. This has led to teenagers quickly developing Nicotine Dependence from the nicotine in vapes, and respiratory illnesses from other chemicals. Most vapes contain high levels of nicotine even when they are labelled nicotine free. 

Nicotine dependence signs include:

  • Irritability
  • Poor focus/difficulty concentrating 
  • Lack of control over emotions
  • Poor sleep
  • Headaches, nausea and vomiting
  • Breathing difficulties 
  • Poor school attendance and performance 
  • Reduced or poor appetite

Victorian Law states that it is illegal for people under 18 to buy e-cigarettes, yet we know that young people are accessing these devices. There are new laws which will be introduced this year, to reduce access. Current laws state that it is illegal to smoke or vape on schools grounds or within 4 meters of school entrances. Breaking vaping laws at school may result in school suspension. 

 

Safety at home: The liquid in vapes can poison children and young people through swallowing or skin contact so it is important to keep devices out of reach and locked away. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning include sweating, dizziness, vomiting and increased heart rate. If you suspect a child has touched or swallowed e-liquids from inside an e-cigarette, you can call theVictorian Poisons Information Line (VPIC). When you call the VPIC, trained staff will give you first aid information, and tell you if you need to call an ambulance or refer you to a doctor for treatment.

 

Please reach out to school wellbeing team or year level coordination team if you have any concerns about your child using a vape or e-cigarette device. There are many steps we can take to support a young person to stop vaping and there are no legal consequences for a young person asking for help to quit vaping. 

 

For more information please contact: 

Quit Victoria 13 7848

Victorian Poisons Information Line 13 11 23

Kids Health Information : E-cigarettes and teens (rch.org.au)

For parents - Lung Foundation Australia

 

Mental health update

There are many ways that you as parents, carers and families of our students can support their mental health.

 

Here is a short video (5 minutes) able how to notice any changes in your young person’s mental health, which you may find helpful. 

 

Support for parents and guardians | Head to Health

 

Some ways to support your young person’s mental health includes:

  • Encourage them to get involved in activities outside of school (sport, music, art etc)
  • Talking to them about any struggles they are having at school and at home 
  • Spend time with them outside of home (go to see a movie, walk, café etc)
  • Support them to get enough sleep every night 
  • Encourage them to eat healthy well-balanced meals and snacks (trying to avoid energy drinks or too much sugar) (adapted from Headspace)

Anger is an emotion which is really common in young people and I encourage you to read the attached fact sheet on anger if you would like to know more. If you are concerns for your young person’s anger, please reach out to your local General Practitioner (GP) or contact the school to make a referral to wellbeing for extra support or for a confidential chat.

 

Take care of yourselves over the holiday break.

Jazmin Pursell

Mental Health Practitioner & Social Worker

(Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays)