From the Counselling Team 

• Adolescence
• KYDS Fundraising and Awareness Campaigns
• The College Counselling Team

Adolescence

Is there a time more anticipated and more dreaded than adolescence? It is a time of enormous change for our children, physically and psychologically. The Counselling Team often receive calls for help during this time of development, with parents unsure how to remain connected with their child. This article below from Dr Justin Coulson provides some helpful insights into the many milestones occurring during adolescence including changes in the brain, physical development, sexual development, cognitive development, identity development, and social development.

https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/articles/developmental-milestones-part-5

Some further recommendations for parents this week:

Dr Justin Coulson free webinar -  Can we talk about Boys Please? https://www.happyfamilies.com.au/

Help I have a Teenager podcast

https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/help-i-have-a-teenager

Hosts Dr Ginny Mansfield and Clinical Psychologist Jo Lamble talk through some tricky issues related to parenting teenagers.

Ms Joe McCarthy - College Counsellor/Psychologist

KYDS Fundraising and Awareness Campaigns

Two great events which will provide opportunities for local young people to combine physical activity and fundraising efforts in support of youth mental health.

• The Bobbo – 27 March 2022 (raising funds for Lifeline, KYDS and other local charities – open to 12yrs+) -https://www.bobbinheadcycleclassic.org.au
• Lindfield Fun Run – 1 May 2022 (raising funds for KYDS and other charities) -https://lindfieldfunrun.org.au

"The Lindfield Fun Run is a fantastic opportunity for participants, ideally in a team, to challenge themselves over 2km, 5km, or 10km in support of youth mental health. To be held on 1 May, the event also offers a chance for schools to build community spirit while getting involved in some serious fun, whether running or walking! Form a group, set some goals and create a fundraising page to make an even greater impact on the work of KYDS Youth Development Service and other charity partners. Register now at https://www.lindfieldfunrun.org.au/schools.php"

Online registrations are open until 24 hours prior to the event, however early bird registrations (a $5 saving) close on 22 April. See Mr Brannan for further details or to form a team.

Mr Sean Brannan - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

The College Counselling Team

The College Counselling Team are available to provide confidential emotional and social support and guidance for your son and family.  For reference our College Counselling Team contact details are shown below.

Mr Rick Russo

Counsellor (Full time Monday to Friday) working with students across all year groups.

Email:  rrusso@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au 

Direct Phone:  9414 4359

School Mobile (in case of emergency):  0418 438 325

Mrs Joe McCarthy

Psychologist (5 days per fortnight:  Tuesdays, Thursdays and Mondays on Day 6 of the cycle) working with students across all year groups.

Email:  jmccarthy@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au 

Direct Phone:  9414 4322

Mrs Judy Gill

Psychologist (5 days per fortnight:  Wednesdays, Fridays and Mondays on Day 1 of the cycle) working with students across all year groups.

Email:  jgill@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au 

Direct Phone:  9414 4315

Throughout 2021 the Counselling Team, together with the Diverse Learning Team, look forward to providing CONFIDENTIAL support to assist your son to build his SELF CONFIDENCE / SELF ESTEEM AND RESILIENCE within a caring, supportive Catholic school community.  Please do not hesitate to make contact with any of the above team should the need arise.

Mr Rick Russo - College Counsellor/Chaplaincy Services