Wellbeing
Bullying Workshops Presentation by headspace
Late November Natalie Rutstein Mental Health Education Consultant, joined by Bairnsdale headspace worker Kelsey Long kindly visited Bairnsdale Secondary College, they presented to our 2021 Year 10 students a workshop all about bullying and its effects on mental health. headspace also provided an afterschool presentation to parents and guardians which we are very thankful for, we hope parents and guardians also enjoyed meeting headspace and learning with us how to support and uplift their youth.
The workshop for young people discussed the deep impacts bullying has on others, the importance of speaking out on bullying behaviour, as well as the many supports students can find around them to support wellbeing and mental health.
One of the discussion topics we most enjoyed was the various ways students themselves can self-regulate and calm when in a low mood, feeling stressed or overwhelmed, we thought it was very empowering. The workshops was very useful especially as we know social groups and friendships will become all that more important in their young adult lives. Thank you to Kelsey and Natalie for visiting us at Bairnsdale Secondary College, and supporting our students, and their parents and guardians.
16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
Bairnsdale Secondary College has been celebrating and acknowledging 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. 16 Days of Activism is an internationally recognised event beginning on the 25th of November which is International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and finishes on the 10th of December or Human Rights Day. The campaign has been celebrated for many years in Gippsland, and due to Covid19 and Isolation periods we were unable to join the campaigns usual Walk to change the Story ran by Gippsland Lakes Complete Health.
The annual events colours are orange so this year Wellbeing did its best to add some colour to the school, we asked staff and student to lend us a hand by putting up theirs against violence towards those based on gender. English and Pastoral classes were asked to have their students complete an orange hand so it could be put up in various sites in year 7, 8-9 and 10-12 Hubs, as well as within Wellbeing. Students did an excellent job on the task, and we had many beautiful and powerful messages on the hands and we are hoping we get to over one hundred by the end of the 16 days.
Hubs, offices and teaching staff, also took a stand with our ‘saying no to violence’ plaque which has been shown on Compass and the Bairnsdale Secondary College Facebook
Thank you to all the staff, teachers and students for joining us during the past weeks, and again big thank you to all the staff and students for the hands lovely and powerful designs!
Support during the holidays
For some young people, this time of year can be challenging. This is particularly so for people who are experiencing isolation, loneliness and mental health issues, as we are bombarded with messages of family celebrations, gifts and holidays.
Young people who may be facing some big life changes like starting a new school, awaiting exam results to get into higher education, or commencing employment can be the most vulnerable. When normal routines change and daily structure is altered, along with missing regular contact with friends or having to financially support themselves, it can cause additional pressure.
During these times, it is valuable for families and friends to be aware of signs and symptoms that something might be wrong with their loved ones. Being withdrawn, not doing the things they would normally enjoy, ongoing worry or irritability are just some of the changes to look out for.
Please click on the link below for more information
Celebrating 100 years with The Smith Family
Last Wednesday 1st December The Smith Family held a lunch celebration for their 100 years supporting people in need. The Girls at the Centre provided a beautiful lunch for staff and students. Thank you to the Smith family for all that you do for our College and for sharing your very delicious cake with us!
