Wellbeing

Adolescent Health Nurse

My name is Penny Hsiao, and I am the Adolescent Health Promotion Nurse from the Department of Education. Health Promotion enables people to increase control over their health, thereby improving it. We know students are better prepared for learning when they are healthy, safe and happy. I am at SOC on Mondays and Fridays to support and enhance the physical, mental and social health of our students.

I previously worked in the same role at Mount Ridley and Sunbury Colleges. My background includes practice nursing, family planning nursing, and teaching. As part of my role I am happy to discuss youth health topics with students and families, for example:

- study stress

- sexual health

- general health

- self esteem 

- healthy eating.

I work closely with the Wellbeing Team as well as  local service providers to achieve optimal health promotion!

I look forward to working with students, families and staff at SOC.

Ms Penny Hsiao

Adolescent Health Promotion Nurse

Wellfest Week

Wellfest Week, a student-led initiative hosted by the Student Representative Council in partnership with Student Services, aimed to promote awareness of physical, social and mental wellbeing for all students. Each day had a specific theme.

Set the scene Monday began with an atmosphere of excitement and eagerness generated through the mind-boggling magic tricks performed by Alex Unexplainable for the Year 9 cohort. Students were on the edge of their seats as they attempted to work out how the magic occurred. A crumpled empty Fanta can was suddenly filled and sealed, cards appeared to fly as a set of ten became seven, a Rubiks Cube disappeared. However, even more intriguing, the classes were taught how to perform a magic trick of their own - making a handkerchief become an egg!

Keep Learning Tuesday exposed years 9 – 12 students to services beyond the College through information sessions from various providers including, amongst others:

- Holmesglen TAFE

- Defence Force

- Rotaract

- Legal Aid

- Monash Youth Services

This session enabled students to become aware of the plethora of resources outside the College, as well as potential jobs available upon leaving school.

 Years 7 - 8 had a presentation by the Bicycle Network and learned about the:

- importance of road safety

- parts of a bike,

- benefits of cycling in relation to wellbeing and environmental impacts

Active Wednesday promoted the importance of maintaining physical health and gave students the opportunity to participate in a physical activity.

The day bustled as students participated in the following games:

- Capture the Flag

- Ultimate Dodgeball

- Martial Arts

- Basketball

- The Amazing Race

Shouts of excitement rang out across the oval as a ball was gained from an opposing team, students rushed to the location of their clue, and others cheered with delight as someone got out in the game of dodgeball.

During lunch, staff and students battled it out in an intense basketball match.

During Therapy Thursday, staff and students participated in activities to both relieve stress and demonstrate the importance of taking regular breaks from their chaotic life.

 Year 12s had the opportunity to learn about the difference between Service and Therapy Dogs with a range of animals visiting the College.

UN Youth Workshops were held throughout the day to supplement the Humanities Curriculum.

Staff also had access to a Masseuse to relieve stress.

Give Friday enabled the College Community to raise money for the Salvation Army, thereby demonstrating the importance of thinking about others less fortunate. Year 7s learnt about the work done by the Salvation Army and now understand the impact of this initiative. 

The entire community of South Oakleigh were invited to wear colourful clothes as well as purchase Chupa Chups during recess and lunch.

Wellfest Week united the school in promoting all aspects of health and wellbeing and enabled the College Community to have a greater understanding about the importance of looking after our health.

Thank you to all staff and students for their efforts in making the week a success.

Esther Walker

Campaigns Secretary

Student Representative Council