Wellbeing News
Patterson River Secondary College
Wear It Purple Day
On Thursday 27 August, the Wellbeing Team supported Patterson River Secondary College in celebrating Wear It Purple Day.
Established in 2010 in response to the alarming rates of bullying and harassment experienced by LGBTQIA+ young people, Wear It Purple Day aims to remind us that every young person deserves to feel safe, supported and proud of who they are.
The Wellbeing Team celebrated the day at lunchtime in the Year 8 Courtyard, creating a fun and welcoming space for students to get involved. Three activity stations were set up, including a glitter station, a purple nail polish and hair ribbon station and a badge-making station, which was run by Frankston Youth.
It was wonderful to see students coming together, getting creative and showing their support for inclusion, acceptance and belonging.
Maria Ntotas
Youth Worker
RUOK Week
The Well-being Team led a week-long recognition of R U OK? Day, bringing our school community together to strengthen connection, kindness and the importance of checking in with those around us.
Select Year 7-9 students participated in Student Ambassador Training, building practical skills and confidence to check in with their mates, support their peers and facilitate conversations within their respective form groups.
Other whole activities across the week included a positivity wall; pancake and lemonade stall fundraisers with proceeds going to local charity “It's okay not to be okay” and a range of student and staff wellbeing initiatives to further promote connection and belonging within the school.
A big thank you to our school community for once again getting involved, supporting one another and bringing such a positive and caring attitude to the week.
Erika Blazely
Social Worker
Menstrual Health
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a natural, recurring process that those with female reproductive organs experience each month. It begins on the first day of your period and continues until the day before the next one. This cycle prepares the body for potential pregnancy and consists of four key phases:
- Menstruation – The period itself, when the uterine lining is shed.
- Follicular Phase – The lining of the uterus thickens and follicles in the ovaries mature.
- Ovulation – A mature egg is released from the ovary.
- Luteal Phase – The uterine lining continues to thicken; if pregnancy doesn’t occur, the cycle starts over with menstruation.
What Exactly Is a Period?
Periods are a natural and healthy part of life. A period happens when blood is released from the uterus through the vagina, usually once a month. This occurs as a result of hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which cause the lining of the uterus to shed and usually lasts 2-7 days.
A period is made up of blood, mucus and some cells from the uterine lining. On average, between 3 and 5 tablespoons of menstrual fluid is lost each period but, this can vary for everyone.
What age should the first period occur?
The average age for a first period (called menarche) is between 12 and 13 years old. However, it’s completely normal for periods to start as early as 9 or as late as 16.
If a person hasn’t started their period by age 16, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor for guidance and evaluation.
Period Products. Which do I choose?
There are many different products available to help manage periods, the best choice depends on individual needs and lifestyle. Options include both disposable and reusable products.
No matter which products is chosen, it’s important they are changed regularly to prevent leaks and maintain good hygiene.
In Victoria, all government schools provide FREE disposable pads and tampons for students. Additionally, students aged 13 to 19 can sign up to receive a Free Reusable Period Product Pack.
How do we access the FREE Reusable Period Pack?
Share the Dignity are giving away FREE menstrual cups, reusable period underwear and menstrual discs to teens,13-19 years, across Australia. All you need to do is visit their website here and sign up to their eco period club. Once you have signed up your FREE pack will be sent. Over the next 12 months after receiving your pack Share the Dignity will send you two surveys to see how you found the reusable period product.
Where can I get more information on the Menstrual Cycles and Periods?
Ms Lavery,
Adolescent Health Nurse
Breakfast Club
At Patterson River Secondary College, we believe that a great day starts with a great breakfast!
Our Breakfast Club Program runs three mornings a week, providing students with a warm, welcoming space, where they can have a healthy and positive start to their day.
Breakfast Club Details:
- Tuesday's, Wednesday's & Friday's
- 8am - 8:40am
Community Room
The Breakfast Club is open to all students and completely free of charge. It offers a variety of nutritious and filling breakfast options, including:
- Cereals
- Toast & Toasties
- Snacks, such as fruit, fruit cups and milk
Come along, grab a bite and make your morning a little brighter!
