Wellbeing update
Wellbeing @ KSC
Wellbeing Wednesday:
Every Wednesday lunchtime in the Wellbeing space (unless otherwise specified on Compass), we invite all students to join the team alongside the Wellbeing Captains to spend time doing activities that promote healthy relationships with themselves and peers. Often the space is open to just chat and share lunch together, other times we will run a structured activity. Some examples of these activities include: water colouring, making stress balls, Just Dance, baking and more.
Programs Coming up!
We have several group programs commencing in Term 2 – if you are interested in more information, please contact the wellbeing team
Social Skills Group:
Koonung’s new social skills small group program is underway, Liz Senior and Philippa Ziegenhardt are leading the group and are already seeing the positive impact it is having on the students. Students in the group are learning skills related to making and keeping friends, being a good sport and managing peer-conflict and rejection. This 10-week program draws on the evidence-based PEERS Social Skills Training program developed by researchers at UCLA, which has been shown to improve social skills and social interactions among teens.
Peaceful Teens:
A group of year 7 students will participate in ‘Peaceful Teens’ next term. This small group runs for 8 weeks of the term. Through Mindfulness and Positive Psychology strategies, 'Peaceful Teens' helps teenagers to navigate through their difficulties in a supportive group environment. This includes exploring a deeper understanding and application of Mindfulness, grounding techniques, controlling the controllables, riding the waves of strong emotions, adaptive coping strategies, managing unhelpful thinking and self-care.
Study without Stress:
Study without stress will begin in week 1 next term. We have 12 year 10 and 11 students who will be learning knowledge and practical tips on how to approach and overcome the stress associated with school work and exams in the final years of high school. The program goes for 8 weeks and covers
- Understanding stress (including causes, symptoms and the role of the stress response)
- Goal setting
- Managing expectations and beliefs about examples
- Challenging negative or unhelpful thinking patterns
- Understanding perfectionism and procrastination
- Tips to deal with work avoidance
- Strategies for problem solving
ICAN Network:
This year we are excited to be introducing a new group called the I CAN network. I CAN provides mentoring to autistic and neurodivergent students by improving their self-esteem, mental health and wellbeing. I CAN provides one hour mentoring each week that focuses on celebrating autistic strengths, passions and expression. Participants develop a stronger sense of self-acceptance, confidence, optimism and belonging.
Autumn School Holiday Program
Please click on the link below to discover what activities Whitehorse Council are hosting these school holidays
Emily Ridgewell
The Wellbeing Team