Wellbeing News

Headspace Work and Study Support

Need help reaching your work or study goals? headspace offers free, tailored 1-on-1 support, helpful resources, and group chats for young people across Australia. Get the guidance you need to succeed.

Please see the link below for more information regarding study supports, free counselling and support for families.

Work and study support | headspace

https://headspace.org.au/services/

Group Programs

We’ve had a fantastic start to the year, and our Tier 2 group programs are now concluding for the term. It has been wonderful to offer such a diverse range of programs, and observing students’ growth from week one to the end of the term has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. We feel very fortunate to provide this breadth of opportunities to our students.

Chilled – Year 8

This term, we ran the Chilled program with a small group of engaged and committed Year 8 students. Chilled is an evidence-based program developed by Macquarie University that focuses on developing strategies to recognise and manage anxiety. Our group has explored what anxiety is, what it can look and feel like, when anxiety is helpful and when it isn’t, measuring worries, realistic thinking (also known as cognitive restructuring), and relaxation skills. The group has been very engaged throughout the program. They have readily grasped the skills and concepts we have been learning and have volunteered examples from their own lives for the group to explore during sessions. In the last session of the program, we recapped the skills we learned, strategies for tackling future fears and worries, and celebrated our hard work and achievement.  

Steady Minds - Year 8

The Year 8 students participated in a six‑session Steady Minds program focused on social and emotional learning. Across the sessions, they explored how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected and learned to identify and understand their emotions more clearly. Students were taught practical strategies for managing stress, anger, and other strong emotional responses. The program aimed to build their confidence, resilience, and ability to approach challenging situations in a healthy, balanced way through situational roleplays, games and group discussions.

Canine Comprehension - Year 7 

A group of Year 7 students participated in the Canine Comprehension program throughout term one. During the program, students are supported to develop an awareness and understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication indicators. They work with hands, tone of voice, body language, facial gestures, plus vocal conversations. The Canine Comprehension Program also highlights the inner voice we all experience and how we can channel it, turning hearing only negativity into positivity. Kendal and Marley really enjoy attending Cranbourne Secondary College, and the feedback so far has been outstanding.

Men’s Talk - Year 9

Men’s Talk wrapped up this term with our Year 9 boys, and it has been a fantastic journey! The conversations were brilliant, covering important topics like male stereotypes, managing anger, and knowing when to seek help. The energy and participation from the boys were outstanding, and it was great to see everyone leaning in and sharing their thoughts. 

Well done, lads!

Deadly Lovin’ - Year 7 - 12

Deadly Lovin’ has been a fantastic program supporting Aboriginal young people through engaging, culturally relevant learning and discussions around relationships, identity, and wellbeing. 

As this term comes to an end, the program has explored the following topics:

1. Self-Esteem & Empowerment 
2. Deadly Relationships 
3. Deadly vs Gammin Attitudes & Beliefs – (“Deadly” and “Gammin” (or gammon) are distinct, widely used terms in Aboriginal English representing contrasting attitudes, concepts, and ways of interpreting the world, often different from standard Australian English). 
4. Rights & Responsibilities in Relationships 
5. The World of Social Media 
6. Consent

The Wellbeing Committee 

The Wellbeing Committee has had an amazing start to the year, beginning with a strong presence at the Swimming Carnival. We hosted a vibrant and engaging stall that included coloured zinc, hairspray, giant Jenga, Connect 4, mindful colouring activities, and more!

Harmony Week

The Wellbeing Committee celebrated Harmony Week by running a collaborative art activity focused on community, belonging, and cultural connection. Students added their painted fingerprints to a tree branch display, with each fingerprint representing individuality and the importance of coming together as a community. Students were also invited to write affirmations and positive messages, encouraging kindness, inclusion, and respect for others. The activity created a welcoming space for students to connect with one another, celebrate diversity, and feel a stronger sense of belonging within the school community while recognising the value of different cultures and experiences.

Do It For Dolly Day was a huge success!

Do It For Dolly Day is an important day that raises awareness about bullying and encourages kindness, connection, and support for others. The day honours the memory of Dolly Everett and reminds us of the importance of speaking up, supporting one another, and creating a safe and inclusive community for everyone.

Our lunchtime activity included bracelet making, blue coloured hairspray, nail painting, face painting, handing out blue ribbons, and selling a variety of cupcakes, blue lemonade, and other sweet treats. It was wonderful to see so many students and staff getting involved, showing support, and spreading kindness across the school community.

A huge thank you to all staff and students who showed their support by participating in the activities or making a purchase. We would like to especially thank the VET team for baking the cupcakes and providing so many delicious, sweet treats.

Together, we raised an incredible total of $301.90 for such an important cause. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day so meaningful 💙

Athletics Day 

Athletics Day was an enormous success! Alongside MultiPride and SRC, the Wellbeing Committee offered a range of activities, including games, fruit and water, mindful colouring, and the most popular attraction—coloured hairspray and zinc. It was amazing to see so many students actively engaging, bringing energy and excitement to the day’s atmosphere. The positive involvement from students helped create a fun, inclusive environment for everyone. A big thank you to all staff and students who supported and contributed to our stalls, helping make the day enjoyable, memorable, and bringing our school community together once again!

A big thank you to our PE team for the incredible effort they put in to making Athletics Day such a success.

Home Food Packs – available through Wellbeing

Food Bank has kindly donated non-perishable food items for students or families in need. Wellbeing staff can put together food bags as necessary, though items may vary over time. We have already had several packs given to students or collected by parents at the front office. If there are any families that could benefit from extra support, please feel free to call and speak to a member of the wellbeing team or email Sam Darvell - sam.darvell@education.vic.gov.au.