Wellbeing
Happy Holidays
Well done to all our students, families and staff who have survived and thrived in a long and cold term 2. We wish you all a restful break and look forward to seeing you all again in Term3.
Student Illness
It is that time of year when illness more commonly strikes our students, staff and families. It is very important for unwell students to stay at home until they are better. If your child has any symptoms of a cold or flu then they should stay home until the symptoms have ceased. A general rule of thumb about whether you should send your child to school is as follows:
- If you have to give your child Panadol or Nurofen for a fever today, they should STAY AT HOME
- If your child has a hard cough, constant runny nose, sore throat or swollen glands THEY SHOULD NOT BE AT SCHOOL
- If you have given them Panadol or Nurofen in the morning to get them “through the day” THEN THEY SHOULD NOT COME TO SCHOOL
- If your child has vomiting and/or diarrhoea today, they should not come to school for 48 hours AFTER SYMPTOMS HAVE RESOLVED
Please do not send your child to school if they are still unwell or recovering from an illness.
Further information on the exclusion periods for illness’ can be found at https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/school-exclusion-table
Bendigo Speechworks
Bendigo Speech Works is pleased to inform that Charlton community that we will be providing Speech pathology services in Charlton and the surrounding communities.
Donna Buxton, a Charlton resident and Speech pathologist, is working with Bendigo Speech Works to provide services to your local region.
Donna will be providing services to people of all ages and servicing areas around Charlton, Wycheproof, Donald and Birchip.
Bendigo Speech Works is a registered NDIS provider and will accept both private clients and participants funded under the NDIS.
Places are limited. If you would like to enquire about this service, please contact Bendigo Speech Works on (03) 5443 9912 or send an email to admin@bendigospeechworks.com.au.
If you would like to make a referral, please go to the Bendigo Speech Works website and complete a referral form.
Is your teen feeling the pressure?
In today’s digital world, social media is nearly impossible to avoid—especially for teens. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) are where many of us stay connected, find trends, and express ourselves. But behind the filters and followers, there’s often unseen pressure that can take a toll on mental health.
Many students feel the need to keep up a “perfect” online image. Whether it's getting enough likes, posting at the right time, or comparing your life to someone else’s highlight reel, social media can sometimes create unrealistic expectations.
Constant notifications and the fear of missing out (FOMO) can make it hard to unplug. This can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and even lower self-esteem. The pressure to respond quickly to messages or be active online can blur the boundaries between personal time and social obligations.
Signs a Student Might Be Feeling Pressured:
Obsessively checking likes or comments
Comparing themselves to influencers or peers
Feeling anxious or left out after scrolling
Spending excessive time editing photos or curating posts
Struggling with self-esteem or body image
What Can Students Do?
Take breaks from screens and unplug regularly.
Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no to trends or online conversations.
Be real: Share authentic moments, not just highlight reels.
Talk to someone: A parent, teacher, or counselor can help.
What Can Parents Do?
Encourage open conversations about what students see and feel online.
Promote healthy screen habits and lead by example.
Remind students that online life isn’t always real life.
Social media isn’t all bad—it’s a powerful tool for creativity, connection, and learning. But it’s important for teens to take control of their online experience, rather than letting it control them.
Attached to the newsletter are some useful resources complied by Headspace.
Catholic Care Victoria (CCV)- Parent programs & workshops
Over the year, CCV run a wide-range of one-off parent programs, as well as lengthier workshops. The delivery is both online & face-to-face & addresses a range of range of useful topics. Some programs are free, however some attract a cost.
Each term they publish a calendar which will feature on the Parent’s Bulletin. In the past, a number of staff & families have participated in CCV programs & have spoken very highly of them. Please see the attached flyer as to what’s on offer in Term 3.
Register at: www.catholiccarevic.org.au/register
CCV also offer single session parent consultations which are available on weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Consultations are offered via phone, online via Zoom, or face-to-face. To book a single-session parent consultation, call the Bendigo office reception on (03) 5438 1300.
Wellness Hub Psychology
The Mental Health Foundation Australia’s Integrated Wellness Hub psychology clinic offers in-clinic and telehealth counselling services with provisional psychologists/counsellors at an affordable fee of $20 per 50-minute session.
Appointments are available, enquire via website or contact us on 03 8825 3501 or email: wellness.hub@mhfa.org.au
Breakfast Club
We are so fortunate to have Danielle running our Breakfast Club Program at Charlton College . Thank you Danielle from all the staff, students and families. Breakfast Club enables studebts to begin their day with full tummies ensuring they are at their best to learn. Studies completed by Foodbank (the Organisation would support schools with food!) reported that teacher’s observed the following of students who particpated in the Breakfast Club Program:
- an improvement in concentration
- greater levels of engagement and focus for students who attend
- improvements in student’s social skills
- a positive impact on the academic outcomes of students who attended breakfast club.
AS of this week, we will be offering Breakfast Club on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 8:30am. To ensure Breakfast Club is ready for students to acess famillies are reminded that students are not permitted on school grounds until 8:30am when supervision in the yard begins.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank the Charlton Bakery who very generiously donate bread to the Breakfast Club program each week. Thank you Paul and Kerry for your support!
Mental Health Matters!
Many people can hesitate to seek mental health support because they’re unsure what options are available or feel intimidated by the idea. Attached to the back of the newsletter is a brochure complied by the Inglewood and District Health Service who provide mental health support in the Buloke Shire.
Menal Health Services can help with;
- Feeling low need to talk
- Changes at work or home
- Depression, anxiety, stress
- Balancing family and work responsibilities
- Concerns about your children or family members
- Relationship and marital problems
The Inglewood and district Health Service are able to provide support to both children and adults at NO COST. The services are offered at the Charlton Hospital campus face to face, via telehealth or phone.
If you feel your child may need further support referrals can be made by contacting
Inglewood and Districts Health Service
3 Hospital Street, Inglewood, VIC 3517
Phone: (03) 5431 7000
Fax: (03) 5431 7004
Email: referrals@idhs.vic.gov.au
Monday - Friday: 8:30am-5pm
If you would like further support to access this service for your child/ren, please don’t hesitate to contact Jess McGurk or Tash Roberts at the College.
Reach Out Workshops
Reach workshops are for anyone aged 10-18. They're 100% youth-led which means they’re always relevant. Workshops are available at Reach hubs and in schools and communities in VIC and NSW.
To learn more please visit https://www.reach.org.au/workshops/
Buloke Shire Resources Directory
Mallee Family Care have put together a resource directory for Buloke Shire families with children aged 0-12. The document is attached to the newsletter. If any families wish to access a printed copy please call into the front office where copies are available.
Headspace workshops for parents and families
Headspace invites you to attend a free online webinar for parents and carers on how to support young people. Further details can be accessed using the QR code provided.