Parent Wellbeing

With the sun clocking in early, magpies warbling, wattle blooming and the AFL grand final looming, it’s safe to say that spring has arrived! It’s also the perfect time to shake off the winter chill and embrace fresh energy. While the school holidays is a time to slow down, it can also be a great opportunity for parents to reconnect with themselves, their children, and the community.
To help support your wellbeing this spring, here are a few ideas:
Explore the Outdoors Together
Step into the sunshine and go on family walks, bike rides, or a picnic in the park. Knox has plenty of parks and reserves to explore.
Skate and BMX parks - Gilbert Park or Lewis Park
Find your nearest bushland reserve here
Try Something New
Spring is a season of growth, why not try something new? Whip up something different in the kitchen, grow a herb garden, or dive into the tile-stacking fun of Mahjong.
Join Local Events
Check out Knox’s Spring school holiday programs here. Many are free or low-cost and are creative family or teen friendly activities.
Strengthen Family Bonds
Build meaningful family rituals. Start a weekly movie night tradition or declare one afternoon tech-free for boardgames and heartfelt chats. Big memories often start with small but consistent moments.
Above all, remember to care for yourself too. Your wellbeing matters just as much as your child’s. The school holidays can be joyful, but it can also be demanding. Take time to recharge even in small ways: a warm drink and a chapter or two, or a sunny stroll to reset your day. Connect with other parents and know where to turn. Sharing experiences can ease stress and build support.
If the holidays feel overwhelming, support is always available. Refer to the services listed below for confidential help and guidance. Your wellbeing matters.
Bulk Billed Mental Health Plans
Families can now request a GP mental health plan online bulk billed through onPsych, providing up to 20 bulk billed psychology sessions per year.
To get a MHC plan, families can now book a bulk billed video consultation with a GP via onPsych. For many parents, the process of obtaining a mental health care plan for their children can be challenging. onPsych has made access easy. With parent permission, the online GP consultation can even occur at school.
To book: Contact - Onpsych Pty Ltd
Looking for Support?
EACH - Health Services 1300 003 224
These services are free or low-cost.
93 Boronia Rd, Boronia
Youth Mental Health Services 9298 8469
headspace 1800 650 890
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre 1800 015 188 (24 Hours)
1800 Respect 1800 737 732 (24 Hours)
Nurse on Call 1300 60 60 24
The Butterfly Foundation 9822 5771
FriendLine 1800 424 287
24/7 Mental Health Hotlines:
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Lifeline - Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Student Wellbeing Team
Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Chelsea Collings - Leader of Wellbeing
Guiseppe Relia – Wellbeing Counsellor
Sanela Avdic - Wellbeing Counsellor
Talea-Jane Simpson – Wellbeing Counsellor
Tajinder Wulff - Mental Health Practitioner 7-8