Wellbeing & Inclusion News
Preventing and Addressing Racism in Schools
At Footscray West Primary School, we are proud of the many cultures, backgrounds and faiths that make up our wonderful school community. This diversity is one of our great strengths, and we want every child and family to feel welcomed, valued and truly included.
When we learn from and celebrate the richness of our community, we help build a school where kindness, understanding and connection can grow. We are committed to supporting every student so they feel a strong sense of belonging and are ready to learn.
These values are woven through our teaching, including through the Berry Street Education Model and the Respectful Relationships curriculum, which helps students learn about diversity, inclusion and caring ways to relate to one another.
Together, every member of the Footscray West Primary School community plays an important role in bringing these values to life each day.
Each week we continue to revisiting our values of Respect and Belonging, and thinking about how these values can guide the way we speak, act and care for one another.
To help us continue building a school where everyone feels safe, respected and included, we warmly encourage families to keep these conversations going at home. You might like to talk with your child about:
- the many ways our school celebrates diversity and welcomes multicultural inclusion
- the importance of treating every person at school with kindness, dignity and respect.
Families may also find the following resource helpful: Racism: talking with children and teens, Raising Children Network.
We thank families for continuing to model our school values in the way we communicate, connect and care for one another across our school community.
Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs
Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs provide a safe and welcoming place where children, and their families, carers, and kin, can access free mental health and wellbeing supports and services.
Kids Hubs are designed for children aged 0 to 12 years who are experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, relational and/or behavioural challenges.
Connecting with Kids Hubs is easy:
- You can also call 1800 595 212 for information about the Kids Hubs and other mental health and wellbeing supports in your local area.
Walk into your nearest location or call them to make an appointment – you don’t need a diagnosis or referral.
Kids Hubs are designed for children who are experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, relational and/or behavioural challenges. Experienced staff are here to listen, understand and support children and their families in a friendly and inclusive environment.
How Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs can Help
No matter what your child is going through, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A variety of services and programs are available to support the healthy development and emotional wellbeing of children and their families, including:
- care coordination
- treatments and therapies
- initial assessments
- diagnostics services
parenting, attachment, relationship and family system support.
Kids Hub staff can also connect children and families with other services that can help them, depending on their needs and preferences.
Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs are delivered by the Australian Government in partnership with states and territories.
What services can I access through a Kids Hub?
Kids Hubs provide access to a range of health professionals such as:
- paediatricians
- psychiatrists
- psychologists
- social workers
- speech pathologists
- occupational therapists
- Aboriginal health workers
- dieticians
- nursing staff
- peer workers
family services workers
The services and supports provided at each Kids Hub are set up to meet local community needs and can differ depending on location. Contact your local Kids Hub for more information.
How to find your nearest Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub
To find your nearest Kids Hub call 1800 595 212 (8:30am to 5pm weekdays, except public holidays) or visit medicarementalhealth.gov.au/kidshubs (https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/kidshubs).
Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs are not a crisis service. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000) or go straight to your closest emergency department.