Welfare/Learning Support
HEADSPACE
In Term, 3 Year 9 students participated in the "Let’s Talk About It" Headspace Program. This program was all about understanding mental health and wellbeing, breaking down the stigma about mental health, managing our stress buckets and giving practical ways the students can support themselves and their peers. The program was enjoyed by all of Year 9 who were able to take away valuable strategies.
CONSENT LABS
During Term 4, Year 8 girls were treated to a powerful performance by Consent Labs, aimed at raising awareness and understanding around the crucial topics of consent, boundaries, and respectful relationships. The session was designed to engage students in an interactive and thought-provoking way, ensuring that they not only learned but also felt empowered to apply these vital concepts in their everyday lives.
The performance kicked off with an approachable introduction to the concept of consent. Using simple yet impactful language, the facilitators broke down what consent means, why it is essential, and how it can apply to various situations, from face-to-face interactions to online communication. The message was clear: consent is about mutual agreement, respect, and communication.
Throughout the performance, students were presented with relatable real-life scenarios that allowed them to actively participate in the learning process. These scenarios included situations they might face in school, social settings, or even online. By discussing these examples, students gained a deeper understanding of how to recognise and handle consent in different contexts.
The interactive nature of the presentation encouraged students to think critically about their own experiences, helping them recognise the importance of both giving and receiving consent. It also prompted valuable discussions about peer pressure, personal boundaries, and the ways in which consent can be communicated clearly and respectfully.
By actively engaging in these activities, students were able to gain confidence in their ability to assert their boundaries, recognise when consent has not been given, and understand how to respond appropriately in difficult situations.
At the end of the session, the Consent Labs presenters held an open Q&A, where students were invited to ask any questions about consent, relationships, or safety. This was an important part of the performance, as it provided an opportunity for students to voice any concerns they had, clear up misconceptions, and receive expert advice.
TALK2MEBRO
During Term 4 Talk2MeBro have visited our school by supporting our student’s mental health and well-being, to deliver an impactful 8-week program for targeted students. The program, designed to provide mental health support, foster emotional resilience, and encourage positive peer connections, has had a transformative impact on those involved.
Throughout the 8 weeks, selected students in Years 9 and 10 participated in weekly sessions aimed at developing skills to manage stress, understand emotions, and improve communication. The program’s focus on building self-awareness, confidence, and coping strategies has helped students better navigate the challenges they face, both inside and outside the classroom.
Each week, students worked closely with facilitators and peer mentors, engaging in group discussions, interactive activities, and real-world scenarios. The program covered a range of important topics, including mental health awareness, managing anxiety, handling peer pressure, and building healthy relationships. By tackling these areas, Talk2MeBro empowers students to take control of their mental well-being and reach out for help when needed.
One of the key components of the program is fostering a safe space where students can openly share their experiences and challenges. By encouraging open dialogue about mental health, the program helps break down the stigma surrounding emotional struggles, allowing students to feel supported and heard.
Our students have reported how valuable the program has been in improving their ability to handle stress and communicate more effectively with others. Some students even reported feeling more confident in seeking support and less isolated in their struggles.
RAGE
Throughout Term 4, Year 7 boys participated in an impactful session of the RAGE (Respect, Assertiveness, Growth, and Empowerment) program. The program aims to help young men navigate relationships, promote respectful behaviour, and challenge traditional stereotypes about masculinity. Through interactive activities and discussions, the boys explored the importance of self-respect, healthy relationships, and open communication.
The program began by addressing societal pressures and stereotypes that young men often face. Facilitators emphasised that true strength lies in mutual respect, confidence, and emotional intelligence. By reflecting on these ideas, the boys were encouraged to rethink traditional views of masculinity and understand that respect for themselves and others is essential to personal growth and healthy relationships.
The program featured role-playing exercises where the boys practiced asserting themselves respectfully, handling peer pressure, and communicating clearly in difficult situations. They also learned how to resolve conflicts peacefully and express their feelings without aggression. Through these activities, the boys gained valuable communication skills and confidence in handling real-life challenges.
The RAGE program also emphasised the importance of self-awareness and accountability. The boys were encouraged to reflect on their values and how those values influence their actions, helping them make better decisions and learn from their mistakes.
By the end of the program, the boys had a deeper understanding of the importance of respect, assertiveness, and emotional awareness. The program empowered them with tools to navigate their relationships and personal growth in a positive and respectful way, making it an essential step in their journey toward becoming confident, responsible individuals.
WALK AND TALK A THON
In recognition of Mental Health Month, students at Elderslie High School took part in a Walk-and-Talk-a-Thon designed to promote mental health awareness and encourage open conversations about well-being. Held in Week 2, the event invited students, teachers, and staff to walk around the school oval while engaging in casual discussions about mental health, self-care, and the importance of seeking support.
The Walk-and-Talk-a-Thon aimed to create a supportive environment where students could openly share their thoughts and experiences. By combining physical activity with meaningful conversations, the event provided a unique opportunity to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering a sense of community and understanding among participants.
Throughout our Thrive lesson, students walked in groups, discussing topics such as stress management, coping strategies, and the importance of checking in with friends and family.
The event was a great success, with many students expressing how much they appreciated having a safe space to talk about mental health. It highlighted the importance of self-care and reaching out for help when needed, reinforcing the message that mental health is just as important as physical health.
Overall, the Walk-and-Talk-a-Thon was an impactful way to raise awareness and start conversations that will continue to support mental well-being for the rest of the year.
PCYC
This term, students in Year 8 had the opportunity to participate in the PCYC’s Perfect Presence program, a unique initiative aimed at providing personalised 1:1 support to help students build confidence, resilience, and positive self-awareness. The program, which focuses on fostering a strong sense of well-being and self-esteem, was designed to give students the tools they need to thrive both academically and personally.
Throughout the program, each student was paired with a dedicated mentor from PCYC, who worked closely with them to set personal goals, develop life skills, and provide guidance on managing school and social pressures. The one-on-one nature of the program allowed for tailored support, addressing the individual needs of each student and helping them overcome challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
The Perfect Presence program emphasises the importance of presence in both social and academic settings, teaching students how to approach challenges with confidence and clarity. Mentors focused on building trust, teaching effective communication skills, and providing strategies for emotional regulation and stress management.
Students who participated in the program have said they feel they have increased self-confidence and a better understanding of how to manage their emotions and relationships. The program’s focus on self-awareness and personal growth has empowered students to take more ownership of their learning and personal development.
The collaboration between PCYC and Elderslie High School has proven to be an invaluable resource for Year 8 students, and we hope to see this program continue at our school in 2025. The ongoing support from PCYC mentors ensures that students have a dedicated person to turn to when they need advice, guidance, or just someone to listen.
TOP BLOKES
This term, Elderslie High School was proud to have Top Blokes, an organisation dedicated to empowering young men, to run a dynamic and engaging program for our students in Year 8. The program focused on building self-confidence, resilience, and positive mental health through practical, hands-on activities and open discussions.
Top Blokes works with young men to help them develop the life skills necessary to succeed in school, navigate relationships, and cope with the pressures of adolescence. Over the course of several sessions, students participated in interactive workshops that covered topics such as goal setting, managing stress, effective communication, and how to maintain positive friendships.
One of the highlights of the program was its focus on mental well-being, with facilitators providing students with tools to understand and manage their emotions. The program also encouraged students to reflect on their values and behaviours, empowering them to make informed decisions that positively impact their lives and communities.
By encouraging a safe and open environment, the Top Blokes program allowed students to share their thoughts and experiences, helping them realise they are not alone in facing the challenges of growing up. Facilitators also provided personalised support, offering guidance to students on how to improve their self-esteem, handle peer pressure, and seek help when needed.
The feedback from our students has been positive, with many expressing how valuable the program has been in teaching them important life skills. They have mentioned feeling more confident in their ability to manage stress, communicate effectively, and maintain healthy relationships.
BIG YELLOW UMBRELLA
This term, Elderslie High School has partnered with Big Yellow Umbrella, an organisation committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of young people, to provide tailored 1:1 support for our students. Through this program, students have access to personalised guidance and support to help them navigate the challenges they face in school and beyond.
Big Yellow Umbrella offers a unique approach to mental health support by focusing on each student’s individual needs. Through confidential, one-on-one sessions, students are paired with trained mentors who work closely with them to build coping strategies, enhance emotional resilience, and improve overall well-being. The program aims to provide a safe space where students can freely express their thoughts and feelings, without judgment.
Throughout the program, mentors help students address a variety of personal challenges, including stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and academic pressures. The tailored support empowers students to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, providing them with the tools to manage their emotions, build confidence, and achieve personal goals.
The one-on-one support also offers students a chance to explore their aspirations and concerns in a way that is unique to their own experiences. Whether it's working through social pressures, improving communication skills, or finding balance in their lives, Big Yellow Umbrella’s approach encourages students to take ownership of their mental health and well-being.
EXTENDED TRANSITION
This term we ran our exciting Extended Transition Program designed to help targeted Year 6 students smoothly transition into high school life. Every Tuesday morning for five weeks, these students have been visiting the high school to experience what life at secondary school will be like, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for the next chapter of their education.
The program aims to provide Year 6 students with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the high school environment before they officially start. During the five weeks, students participate in a variety of activities and sessions, such as tours of the school, and engaging in interactive lessons. They also meet with staff members and student mentors, giving them a chance to build connections and ask questions about what to expect.
Throughout the program, the students have been exposed to various aspects of high school life, including navigating different classrooms, understanding the school timetable, and participating in group activities. These experiences help alleviate any uncertainties or anxieties they may have about the transition, while also allowing them to develop a sense of independence and responsibility.
In addition to academic and practical learning, the students also engage in social activities, helping them to meet their future peers and form friendships that will carry over when they begin high school full-time. The program encourages students to build self-confidence, develop positive study habits, and start feeling like part of the school community.
Feedback from participating students has been extremely positive, with many expressing how much they enjoyed the chance to experience high school life in a supportive environment. Teachers and staff have also noted the benefits of the program, seeing a noticeable boost in the students’ confidence and excitement for the transition ahead.
The Extended Transition Program has been a great success in helping Year 6 students feel more at ease and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities that high school will bring. By providing these students with a structured and supportive introduction to high school life, we are ensuring they make a smooth and confident transition when they join the high school community in 2025.
The Learning Support Faculty would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy and safe New Year. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2025.
Ms Paula Garner
Relieving HT Welfare & Learning Support