Student Wellbeing

Welcome Back

It has been wonderful to start Term 4 with the Year 12's returning to on-site learning and we are excited to be planning for students in all other year levels to be back, full time on-site, by the 5th of November. Learning remotely is a challenge for students, families, carers and staff and I wish to congratulate everyone on their persistence in such a challenging time.

October is National Mental Health Month, an initiative to raise awareness for Australian mental health. It is an important time where the Australian community comes together to raise awareness and promote better mental health for all.

There are lots of ways to look after your mental health. I have attached a calendar, created by Mental Health Australia, that has daily challenges you can do with your family.

Also, here are five ways to get things started:

1. Stay active
   Exercise increases wellbeing and helps reduce symptoms of common mental health concerns. Your gym may have closed or your fitness groups may be cancelled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. Yoga, Pilates, HIIT routines can be done in a relatively small space and with no equipment. Have a search on the internet for free workout videos and guides.
2. Eat well
   Eating a nutritious diet is great for both your physical and mental health. As much as possible, try and stick to a healthy diet even as your activities and environment change.
3. Connect with others
   COVID-19 has made connecting with others trickier, but social connection is more important than ever. When many of us face lockdown, physical distancing, and travel restrictions, we may need to rely on technology to talk to our friends and family. Reach out to your family, neighbours and community. Share how you’re feeling, and invite others to share with you.
4. Limit media consumption (and choose trusted sources)
   Choose how often you engage with news and social media, and be sure to find news sources that are trustworthy and factual. Add in some content that makes you laugh and feel comfortable wherever possible.
5. Keep to a routine
   Keep to your regular routine as much as possible, including exercise, sleep, daily chores, work, recreational activities and connecting with others. Find fun whenever you can in these daily activities.

Online and Telephone Resources

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Text 0477 13 11 14 – 6pm to midnight (AEDT), 7 nights a week

• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 beyondblue.org.au(link is external)

• Butterfly Foundation National Helpline: 1800 334 673

• Carer Support: 1800 242 636 or 1300 554 660  

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au(link is external)

• MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 

• Black Dog: blackdoginstitute.org.au 

• Headspace: eheadspace.org.au(link is external)

• R U OK?: ruok.org.au(link is external)

• ReachOut: au.reachout.com(link is external)

• World Mental Health Day: lookafteryourmentalhealthaustralia.org.au 

Cheers,

Bronwyn Hart

Assistant Principal

(Student Wellbeing & Engagement)