Student Wellbeing

The Wellbeing Team: Felicity Brown, Isabella Farrar, Lavinia Cai, Pat Pekin, Lucy Wright
& Suzanne Trease

Intro to mindfulness

What is Mindfulness? At its core, mindfulness is the art of being present in the moment, fully engaged in the here and now. It's about cultivating awareness without judgment, allowing us to observe our thoughts and feelings without getting swept away by them.

Benefits of Mindfulness:

Reduced Stress: Mindfulness has been shown to lower stress levels by promoting a sense of calm and reducing the impact of everyday stressors.
Improved Focus and Concentration: By training our minds to stay present, mindfulness enhances our ability to concentrate and perform tasks with greater efficiency.
Enhanced Well-being: Regular mindfulness practice is associated with improved overall well-being, including better emotional regulation and increased feelings of happiness.

How to Incorporate Mindfulness into Your Life:

Start Small: Begin with short sessions, perhaps just a few minutes a day, and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practice.
Focus on Breath: Pay attention to your breath, using it as an anchor to keep your mind grounded in the present moment.
Mindful Activities: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily activities, such as eating, walking, or being creative. The key is to be fully present in whatever you're doing.

Caring for Your Child and Family at Home – School Holidays

If at any point you feel your child may be experiencing thoughts of risk to themselves or others during the upcoming school holidays, below are support options that are easily accessible and available:

Accessible services:

Kids Helpline: Australia's only free, 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Contact on:
- www.kidshelpine.com.au
- Ph: 1800 55 1800
- Available via call or text for free!

Engaging ongoing support:

Private support: Following Mental Health Care Plan that can be gained from your child’s GP, a direct referral can be organised based on their knowledge of her and available providers.

Alfred CYMHS: (03) 8552 0555 If you feel your child may benefit from therapeutic support with access to a multidisciplinary team (ie. Psychologists, Psychiatrists etc), you can call this main line and ask for “general intake.”

Support for you to support your child:

Parentline: 13 22 89 7 days 8am to midnight

For parents/carers of children (under 18 years old) confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues.

Back at school:

To further discuss concerns regarding your child’s wellbeing, please contact their Year Level Leader or Student Wellbeing Coordinator (SWC):

• Felicity Brown (MHP) on: (03) 8599 0604

• Patrick Pekin (SWC for years 7 and 8) on: (03) 8599 0500

Crisis/Emergency Support:

Alfred Child Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS): (03) 8552 0555 Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm You can call this main line and report “mental health crisis.” You will then be directed to a crisis worker and they can conduct a risk assessment with your child directly over the phone. Following the assessment, they can make a plan going forward.

Monash Psychiatric Triage: 1300 369 012 Afterhours/weekends

You can call this number and report crisis. The same process as Alfred CYMHS will be followed.

If at any point you feel your child is at extreme risk of hurting themselves or others:

Emergency: 000 Ambulance/Police can assist

Activities at Bayside City Council

FriYays (https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/programs-and-events/friyays)

Come down to our drop in space to join in on fun, free, supervised activities recommended for young people aged 10 - 17 years.

FriYays at Peterson Youth Centre is your space to chill out, catch up with friends or make new ones and join in weekly wellness activities with our friendly and supportive Youth Workers.

Sessions are running every Friday afternoon between 3:00pm to 5:30pm at Peterson Youth Centre (find us @ the corner of Peterson Street and Highett Road). Come down and kick back this FriYay!

When: Fridays, 3:00 to 5:30pm

Where: Peterson Youth Centre, corner Peterson Street and Highett Road, Highett

Who: Open to young people aged 10 to 17, who have a connection to Bayside (work, live, recreate, study or school)

Bayside Christmas Carols in the Park 2023

(https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/explore-bayside/events/bayside-christmas-carols-park-2023)

Bayside Christmas Carols returns to Dendy Park on Tuesday 12 December.

Headline acts Rhonda Burchmore and Richard Thomas will be joined by a stellar support ensemble, including Sean Mills, Annie Jones, 15-year-old singer Zoe Sunday and 20-year-old vocal sensation Paris Sims. The Diamante Duo, aka Violeta and Michael, also add a classic touch to the event. Read more about our wonderful performers.

oin us Tuesday 12 December at Dendy Park to celebrate the festive season with your family and friends.

Pre-event activities start at 5.30pm. Fireworks start at 9:30pm (weather permitting).

When: 12 December 2023

Time: 05:30pm-09:30pm

Location: Dendy ParkBrightonVictoria 3186Australia

Getting Ready For 2024

After a few months of relaxing and an exciting summer break, it will be time to get prepped for the new school year.

Below are some tips to help you get ready for 2024:

Enjoy the break

It’s absolutely vital that you make the most of your summer break. Breaks are important for your mental strength, stamina, and your ability to get the new school year off to a great start.

Prepare a plan / schedule to complete your homework tasks from Headstart

Do not leave your homework to the last minute – develop a plan to complete the homework tasks that were assigned during HeadStart.

Remember that a new school year is a new opportunity to start fresh

Get organised and check and make sure you have everything you need for the school year

Check your current supplies (i.e. notebooks, pens), make a list of everything you will need for the start of the school year. Try on your school uniform and shoes before the first day back. Check your timetable to know what lessons you’ll be having and prepare the equipment you might need. Pack your school bag the day/night before.

Set up your study spot

Revamp your study space to make it conducive to learning. A clean, organised, and well-lit area can work wonders for your focus and productivity. Remove any distractions, such as your phone or noisy gadgets, and gather the necessary materials you’ll need. Designating a specific study area can help tell your brain that it’s time to concentrate and get into study mode.

Embrace the Slow Start

Give yourself permission to ease back into your routine gradually. Begin with shorter study periods and gradually increase the time as you regain your focus. By allowing yourself a gentle transition, you’ll be setting a sustainable pace for the long haul.

Set Realistic Goals

It’s important to set realistic goals to avoid unnecessary stress and maintain a positive mindset. Reflect on what you want to achieve academically during the upcoming term. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and create a study plan that accommodates your needs. Be flexible and remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Celebrate your achievements along the way to stay motivated.

Develop / maintain healthy lifestyle habits

Eating healthy balance of food throughout the day and drinking water will:

help to improve your mood
help you concentrate.
boost your energy level, and
support your general health.
NB: do not forget about eating breakfast.

Stay Active and engaging in regular exercise. Returning to school may make you physically and mentally tired for a while. Try to spend time doing something physical at the end of the day to give yourself a break and get the blood flowing and boost your mood.

Sleep Make sure you get enough sleep (8-10 hours) to give your brain a rest and allow you to recharge.

Seek Support and Collaboration

Returning to school after a break doesn’t mean you have to face the challenges alone. Reach out to your classmates, teachers, or parents/carers for support and collaboration.

Practice Self-Care