Wellbeing 

ADHD, Mental Health and Brainworks Small Group Program 

There has been a significant change over recent years around ADHD and Autism – increasingly both students and families are contacting the school to let us know that they are thinking about the possibility of ADHD and/Autism being relevant, wanting to know how the school can help and how to access assessments.  Whilst many parents continue to worry about the impact a diagnosis might have on their young person’s sense of self, many of our students report that exploring this possibility helps them make sense of why things might have been difficult, and how to understand and  help themselves manage the challenges of living in a neurotypical world. 

For a deep dive into ADHD please see the latest edition of SchoolTV. 

https://vermontsc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/adhd-au 

For further information I have also included a link to Emerging Minds, another useful online resource for parents covering a range of topics related to parenting and mental health, with a direct link to their recommended resources around ADHD. 

 https://emergingminds.com.au/?s=ADHD 

Brainworks Small Group Program 

As a joint initiative between the Wellbeing and Inclusion and Diversity Team a trial program called “Brainworks” will be run this term. 

Brainworks will be a small group program for interested students across Year 8 through to 10 who are struggling with their executive functioning.  This small group program aims to support and develop student’s skills in areas such as planning, organization and cognitive flexibility. Through collaboration and teamwork, students will have the opportunity to enhance their current strengths in addition to  building their 'study skills toolbox'.  

Brainworks will run during class time once a week across 4 to 6 weeks.  If you think this program would be suitable for your young person please discuss with them direct and then register your interest with Leesa.Moar@education.vic.gov.au