Wellbeing

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope everyone had a restful break and have returned to school ready to take on a new term! Term 3 is the last full school term for our Year 12s, who have their heads down studying, while also turning their minds to what study and life after high school will look like. We wish them all the best and remind them that the Wellbeing Team is here to support them whenever they need.

I CAN Program

This term we are excited to be running the I CAN Mentoring Program again!

Mentoring sessions are delivered by two I CAN mentors, and cover a range of topics which benefit neurodivergent students including teamwork, positive identity, communication skills, and stress management. The program builds social connections among neurodivergent students and improves their self-confidence and self-acceptance. Added with improvements in optimism, communication and sense of belonging, these outcomes lead to improved mental health and wellbeing.

Screen-time and teen mental health – new research released

Recent research conducted by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) found that children and young people who spend more than two hours a day on social media are at a higher risk of mental illness than their peers whose social media use is lower. These mental health problems include elevated symptoms of depression and generally poor wellbeing.

Teenagers aged 12-13 were the group where the impact was most significant, and girls in particular were most negatively affected.

There are a number of ways parents and carers can help teens to manage their screen time. Some of these include:

Set automated curfews – use the phone/tablet’ software settings to automatically lock at a set bedtime.
Implement app limits - block access to specific social or gaming apps after a set amount of time, e.g. 30 minutes.
Ban bedroom screens - keep devices out of bedrooms overnight to protect sleep quality.
Apply the 1-hour rule - turn off all electronic media at least one hour before bed.

Art Therapy with Yasmin!

A reminder to all parents that our student Art Therapist, Yasmin, has availability to work with students from both primary and secondary. Yasmin is completing her Master of Art Therapy at La Trobe University.