Wellbeing
Earlier this term, on 17 May, we celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. IDAHOBIT started in 2004 to commemorate the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder. Our staff and students, dressed in rainbow colours, came together to make pledges to do their bit to making Fairhills a safer and more inclusive space for all.
As we approach the end of Term 2, we have to farewell our university placement students: Eleri Morgan, Jo Billings, Kate Watson, and Jess Smart. They joined us at the beginning of Term 1 for their social work placements. Over the last two terms, they have become an integral part of the wellbeing team. They have been excellent support for students, parents, and staff. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours. On the other hand, we welcome our next group of placement students starting in Term 3. You will be seeing some new faces, including Amanda Wiggs, James Skinner, Lisa Mills, Marlene Meki, and Melanie Miller.
I am excited for Term 3 as we will be celebrating Diversity Week during week 7. It will be a week of themed activities focusing on cultural diversity, individuality, inclusion, mental health, and gender diversity. It will be a collaboration between our school student leaders and the wellbeing team. So keep an eye out for the posters and compass posts.
We wish all our students and families a safe and relaxing term break.
“Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential.” – John Maxwell
Breakfast Club will continue in Term 3 and will run every day from 8-8.30am and is open to all students and staff. There is a range of healthy brekkie options each day catering to all dietary requirements…and every Thursday is Pancake Thursday! The Breakfast Club is run by a group of community volunteers who generously give their time to support our school. Please always remember to be respectful to our wonderful volunteers.
Accessing Support through Wellbeing
The Wellbeing team can assist students in accessing the support they need to navigate challenges that may impact their ability to engage in learning or general feelings of wellbeing. The Wellbeing Team can engage the student or family in an initial assessment of need, short term counselling or skills development or referrals to external support agencies. Students may also be encouraged to access self-help strategies or resources. We will explore the best options for each student.
We encourage students and/or parents to contact the year level coordinators for wellbeing referrals. You can also make an appointment with someone from the Wellbeing Team by attending the Wellbeing Centre or contacting Amal via email Amal.Saleh-Zada@education.vic.gov.au for referrals.
Teachers who have concerns about a student may also refer them to the Wellbeing Team through their Year Level Coordinator.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, please contact kidshelpline or lifeline on the numbers at the bottom of this page
Student Wellbeing Team
Student Wellbeing Coordinator - Amal Saleh-Zada
Chaplain – Stewart McCartney
Mental Health Practitioner - Peta Cartwright
Headspace Psychologist - Tashena Perry
Student Support Services Psychologist - Emily Habard
Amal Saleh-Zada
Student Wellbeing Coordinator
