Wellbeing Update
Inclusiveness at Lowanna College
Our LGBTIQA+ Community
Standout Group
Held on Monday's at lunchtime, alternating weeks for Junior (7-8) and Senior (9-12) groups. LGBTQIA+ and allies are welcome. See Naomi in Wellbeing for more information.
August 29 is Wear It Purple Day. Lowanna College’s Standout Group will be running a stall with purple ribbons and activities. The colour purple will show support for LGBTQIA+ youth.
The theme for the day is "Bold Voices, Bright Futures". Wear it Purple Day is an annual event dedicated to supporting and empowering LGBTQIA+ young people. It encourages everyone to wear purple to show solidarity and acceptance.
General Wellbeing Information
Live4Life 2025
On Thursday 11th September, the Live4Life team will be at the school to promote the hard work Lowanna students and staff have done to roll out the Live4Life initiative.
In the coming weeks, all Year 8 students will be participating in the Teen Mental Health First Aid Course, facilitated by Emily Vernon and Michael Naughton. Later in the year, I will be joining Michael Naughton to facilitate the Youth Mental Health First Aid course for our staff.
RUOK? Day
The college will be celebrating RUOK? Day on Thursday 11th September. It's an annual day of action dedicated to reminding Australians that every day is the day to ask, "Are you OK?", and to start a meaningful conversation with anyone who might be struggling. The day encourages people to connect with others and provides resources to help people have these conversations.
Mood Booster and Brain Optimiser Foods
Healthy eating plays a key role in our ability to focus and learn new things. The relationship between healthy eating and focus and learning is well supported by science. The food we eat directly affects our brain structure, function and ultimately, our ability to concentrate, retain information and think clearly.
Similarly, what we eat can influence how we feel emotionally. Our mental state can affect your eating habits too. Some foods can help to regulate mood, anxiety and stress.
I have added a couple of simple handouts that provide a list of foods that support our mental wellbeing and brain.
Dealing with (and managing) grief
Grief is a natural response to loss. Supporting others and ourselves through it is an important part of emotional wellbeing. Whether someone is grieving the loss of a loved one, a pet or a significant life change, simply being present, listening without judgment and offering kindness can make a big difference. It’s also important to acknowledge our own feelings of grief and give ourselves time and space to heal. Everyone grieves differently and there’s no “right” way to do it. Seeking support from trusted friends, family or a counsellor can be a valuable step toward healing.
Attached below is some information on how to support others through grief and how to understand and deal with our own grief.
Our Chaplain, Glenda, facilitates a grief and loss program (Seasons for Growth) most terms. Please reach out to the Wellbeing Team to learn more about this program.
Adolescent Mental Health Supports
- HEADSPACE, Morwell – 5136 8300 OR 1800 650 890
- LIFELINE – 13 11 14
- LIFELINE TEXT – 0477 131 114 (6pm to midnight)
- KIDS HELPLINE – 1800 551 800
Breakfast Club
A reminder that Breakfast Club is available Monday to Friday from 7.45am to 8.30am. We encourage students who have not had a bite to eat to come along and get some toast and a hot milo. A healthy breakfast is just the thing we need to help us start the day well. 😊
The Breakfast Club Team are also looking for anyone who would like to volunteer their time to help on the days we provide breakfast club. Please let the Wellbeing Team know if you’d like to help. We are also looking for donations of Milo and cheese. Any donations can be given to the General Office or Wellbeing. Thank you.
Paul Fry
Wellbeing Leader