Wellbeing Update
Inclusiveness at Lowanna College
Our LGBTIQA+ Community
Standout Group
The Standout Group is held on Mondays at lunch time, alternating weeks for Junior (7-8) and Senior (9-12) students. LGBTQIA+ and allies are welcome. See Naomi Mock (College Nurse) in wellbeing for more information.
General Wellbeing Information
Navigating the social media changes
eSafety have launched new pages regarding the upcoming changes to social media. The social media age restrictions hub is designed to support parents and carers, educators and young people as we prepare for the restrictions to come into effect.
From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms won’t be allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account, giving them more time to develop important skills and maturity.
Quick facts about the age restrictions, and how they may impact schools:
· The age restrictions are likely to apply to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube as well as other platforms. See the latest list.
· Under-16s will still be able to see publicly available social media content that doesn’t require logging into an account.
· There are exclusions for several platforms, including educational tools such as learning management systems. For example, Google Classroom and YouTube Kids will not be age restricted, and You Tube videos that can be seen without logging in can still be shared by teachers.
· For further guidance, including whether educators will be able to use their own accounts to share age-appropriate education materials, please refer to school or sector policies and procedures.
Attached is a quick guide on how to talk to young people about social media.
Live4Life 2025
On Tuesday the 28th of October, I attended the final Live4Life meeting of the year. This meeting reflected the year that 2025 has been and the hard work that has been done to promote this important program across Lowanna College and other Latrobe Valley Schools.
In 2025, we completed the following:
- All Year 8 students trained in Teen Mental Health First Aid.
- All Year 10 students trained in Teen Mental Health First Aid.
- Several staff from Lowanna College and other schools trained in the Youth Mental Health First Aid.
- Ongoing awareness day events including the Live4Life Team.
- Our Live4Life Launch as a part of our awareness days.
In 2026, we plan to continue this important work around the prevention of youth suicide.
Restorative Conversations at Home
Conflict between parents and teenagers is normal. It’s part of how young people learn independence and test boundaries. What matters most is how we repair afterwards.
A restorative conversation works best once everyone has had time to process and de-escalate. These conversations focus on understanding rather than blame - asking, what happened? What were you feeling? What can we both do differently next time? Flexibility helps too; some teens open up more while driving, walking or even texting than in a face-to-face talk.
These small adjustments can make a big difference. And remember, self-compassion matters. It’s okay to take a breather and try again later. When handled with calm and openness, conflict can become an opportunity to strengthen connection and build mutual respect.
16 Days of Activism
From November 25th, the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign commences.
Every year, this international movement commences of November 25th to help encourage an environment where women are safe and equal.
It is an international initiative that raises awareness and calls for action to end violence against women and girls. While themes may vary by region, a common focus is on encouraging prevention by challenging discriminatory attitudes and promoting respect.
Wellbeing Team
- Paul Fry – Wellbeing Leader/Social Worker
- Michael Naughton – Mental Health Practitioner / Social Worker
- Donna Garsia – Wellbeing Coordinator/Out of Home Care Support
- Larnia Sobott – Wellbeing Officer
- Glenda Noordam – Chaplain
- Naomi Mock – Secondary School Nurse
- Daniel O’Shea – Counsellor
- Emily Vernon – Koorie Coordinator
- Chloe Hedges – Koorie Engagement Officer
- Hayden Edwards – Koorie Engagement Officer
External Supports Onsite at Lowanna:
- Jacob Hardy – Salvation Army Onsite Support
- Amy Cahoon – Youth Insearch Onsite Support
- Beau McGarry – Headspace
If you feel your child would benefit from support from any of our team, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to have a discussion with you about the supports we can provide or to discuss external supports available to young people and their families.
Adolescent & Family Mental Health and Wellbeing 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
- THE ORANGE DOOR – 1800 319 354
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service)
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 & the Wellbeing Team