Student Wellbeing

May 17th is...

Celebrating IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia) at Sandringham College serves as a crucial platform to promote inclusivity, understanding, and respect among the school community. We will be hosting events during lunchtime on each campus with food trucks, music, and art activities.

These festivities not only bring students together in a fun and relaxed setting but also underscore the importance of standing against discrimination and fostering a safe environment for everyone. By celebrating IDAHOBIT, Sandringham College reaffirms its commitment to equality and empowers students to embrace differences with empathy and solidarity.

FriYays at Bayside City Council

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 at 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)

UPCOMING SCHEDULE:

• Friday 3 May Macre-MAY - try macramé this May! 🧶
• Friday 10 May Cake and muffin decorating 🎂
• Friday 17 May Games session: sports games, video games and board games 🎮

Parents/carers: Please provide your emergency details, dietary requirements, and permission for your young person to attend FriYays: Parent/carer permission and emergency contact details form.

For up-to-date information on what activities we're running this week, see our socials: Instagram or Facebook, or get in touch by emailing youth_services@bayside.vic.gov.au or over the phone at 9599 4622.

May 27th - June 3rd is...

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

This year for for National Reconciliation Week, Sandringham College will recognise and acknowledge the traditional owners of the land that we stand & live on by paying our respects to our indigenous and Torres Strait Island peoples by holding key events and activities across both campuses, to educate our students and staff within the Sandringham College community.

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.

Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us.

Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.

Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.  

Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.

Please follow COMPASS for further details about the Reconciliation Week events that will be held at Sandringham College during this time.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of fully attending to what’s happening, to what you are doing, to the space you are moving through.  It is about focusing your awareness on the present moment and engaging your senses (by taking in the things we can see smell, hear, taste and touch)

Mindfulness is a quality that every human being already possesses. Just as we can build our muscles by going to the gym, we can build our mindfulness skills through practice.  It is important to remember that mindfulness is not a once-off kind of thing. It takes time and practice to develop.

Mindfulness benefits

The benefits of mindfulness have been well-documented in research.  Despite not being fully understood, it has been suggested that the benefits of mindfulness come from its ability to help us “dial down the body’s response to stress”. 

The benefits of practicing mindfulness can include:

• improving cognitive ability 
• slowing brain aging
• reducing stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms 
• increasing a sense of well-being 
• helping with pain management and
• improving quality of life for those living with chronic conditions

The good news is that mindfulness can become a part of your everyday life. Here are some exercises to help start you on your mindfulness journey.

Breathing.

Take a few minutes from your day to focus on your breathing.  You can start to practice your breathing by taking some deep breaths, in and out.  Try casting your wandering thoughts aside.

Finger tapping

Finger tapping is a form of mindful movement that grounds you in the present.  Place your hands into your lap. Next, tap your fingers one by one to your thumb. Take a deep breath with each finger tap.

Nature walks

As you walk, pay attention to the lifting and falling of your feet. Notice the movement in your legs and body. And if you find your thoughts wandering, bring them back to the sensation of your movement.

Sensory exercise

Using your senses take notice of

• 1 thing you can see
• 1 thing you can feel
• 1 thing you can hear
• 1 thing you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste.

Mindfulness Apps

Mindfulness is about being aware of what’s going on around you. It doesn’t mean that you have to practice for 20 minutes. But you can set aside time each day to help you practice it.

Once you get better at practicing mindfulness, you’ll notice that you’ll be attentive in your everyday life – like walking to school or talking to friends.

 Here are some great apps that can help you practice mindfulness:

• Smiling Mind
   
• Headspace 
   
• Calm
   
• Stop, Breathe & Think
   
• Insight Timer