Wellbeing Team
Talking about 13 Reasons Why
Many will have heard in recent days about the recently released Netflix show, ‘13 Reasons Why’. The show is the story of a girl who suicides, leaving tapes for her classmates which place the blame on them.
Youth mental health and suicide prevention services worldwide, including Mental Health First Aid Australia, have expressed concerns about the show, especially the graphic nature of some of the scenes. Dr Claire Kelly says, "Telling young people they shouldn’t watch it may reinforce the idea that suicide shouldn’t be discussed. Instead, it’s important for the adults around them to be ready to talk to them about the content, and about what they should do if they or one of their friends needs help."
MHFA Australia has created two documents to help with this that can be accessed here: https://mhfa.com.au/news/2017-04-21/32544/resources-adults-and-young-people-watching-netflix-tv-show-13-reasons-why
Taken from MHFA website.
Calm Learning Space Update
The CLS has been a hive of activity this last few weeks with our fantastic volunteer mentors working with students to develop their literacy and numeracy skills. We have also been exploring some social emotional education, including the BRAVE program, along with some other resiliency based work, and some arts based therapeutic work for our more kinaesthetic learners.
Respectful Relationships in Schools Program
We just received notification that Castlemaine Secondary College has become a Partner School in the implementation of the Department of Education (DET) Respectful Relationships Program.
The Victorian Government is investing $21.8 million to deliver Respectful Relationships and as part of this, initiative Victorian schools will be supported to review their practices and policies, and model respectful relationships and gender equality across the whole school community.
Respectful Relationships Program is about tackling family violence through education; about becoming a member of society and succeeding in life and knowing how to build respectful relationships When young people build positive relationships with their teachers and peers they feel safer and happier at school, are more resilient and have positive social attitudes. The school’s involvement will commence later I the year.
More information can be found at www.education.vic.gov.au/respectfulrelationships
Doctor in the School- Youth Clinic
The Youth Clinic commenced Thursday the 4th of May with several of our students taking up the opportunity to meet with Dr Richard Mayes in an easily accessible and confidential environment. Richard or Dr Louisa Hope will return every second Thursday and will be available to ensure all our students receive the health support, advice and treatment they need to reach their full potential.
During the next week a hard copy of the consent fact sheet (also available on CSC Moodle) will be sent out to all parents/carers. Our students will also receive a fact sheet regarding the clinic and information on how to access the clinic within the next week.
For more information, Mo odle Link, or contact the school.
Understanding Cyberbullying
Wednesday 26 April 2017
A free upcoming workshop in Castlemaine aims to help parents and carers better understand what they can do to keep young people safe online.
The two-hour workshop explains how young people are using social media and technology, along with steps to take if you are concerned about child cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying is the use of technology to bully a person or group with the intent to hurt them socially, psychologically or even physically. Cyberbullying can occur in many ways including abusive texts and emails, hurtful messages, images or videos, or nasty online gossip.
“The workshop is a fantastic opportunity to improve your knowledge of the fast paced technology our young people are using,” said Melissa Fowler, Youth Development Officer, Mount Alexander Shire Council.
“It includes tips on how we can help young people to navigate safely online, and ways to discuss these topics with children and teenagers,” said Ms Fowler.
“We know from speaking with young people that mental health, wellbeing and bullying are important issues in our shire.
“If you want to learn more about online usage or if you are concerned about cyberbullying please come along to this free workshop.”
Event details
When: 6.00pm to 8.00pm on Thursday 18 May
Where: Council Chambers, Civic Centre, corner of Lyttleton and Lloyd Streets, Castlemaine
RSVP: To Melissa Fowler on m.fowler@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or 5471 1826 by Friday 12 May.
The workshop is coordinated by Mount Alexander Shire Council as part of their commitment to supporting community members of all ages. It is delivered by an eSafety expert from the Office of Children’s eSafety Commissioner.
Diversity Group
The Diversity Group has been holding a zine making workshop to put together a zine for publication later in the year. They are also busily planning for IDAHOT (17th May).
Year 10 Engagement Day
On Wednesday 10 May we are excited to be running our Year 10 Engagement Day. Students at this year level will rotate through presenters who will address topics that include becoming a driver, mental health, careers and relationships. It should prove to be an interesting and thought-provoking day. More information will be sent out to parents of Year 10 students.
Lunchtime Activities
