Wellbeing and Inclusion

 Transition - Step Up Days

Thursday 8th December

The students will have their first Step Up day this Thursday 8th December.  On this day, in the morning, the students will move into the year level that they will be in 2023.  During this time the students will learn more about what the expectations of what it means to be a student in this year.  

Tuesday 13th December

The second Step Up day will occur on Tuesday 13th December from 9:15-12pm.  During this time the students will move into their classes and meet their teacher for 2023.  They will engage in relationship building activities with their new class and learn further about what it means to be a student in their new year level.  At the end of the session, the students will receive a letter that will come home introducing their teacher for 2023.  

Wellbeing @ Karoo PS in 2023

In 2023, in addition to the number of programs and initiatives already in operation, Karoo PS will continue to offer the following supports for our students health and wellbeing:

Wellbeing Groups.These groups will be focusing on the following areas: 

               * 'Let's talk about Worry and Anxiety'

               * 'Let's talk about Social Skills'

               * 'Let's talk about Growth Mindset' (introduced in Term 2)

The Wellbeing Groups are held once a week, with small group of selected students, who would like to build their skills in the focus areas.  The groups are run by a trained facilitator and address a number of key learning areas to support student wellbeing.  

If you would like to find out more about the groups or nominate your child to be part of the groups in 2023, then please don't hesitate to contact the school or myself at Courtney.Hoffmann@education.vic.gov.au.

Onpsych Services

At Karoo PS we always strive to support our students health and wellbeing and as a result, we will be re-establishing our relationship with OnPsych in 2023.  OnPsych are a team of experienced, qualified, registered and accredited psychologists and mental health social workers who specialise in child and adolescent services.  They work in individual and group sessions with students and in most cases the services are performed at no out of pocket cost, through Medicare and the development of a Mental Health Plan with your GP.  The services are also provided on site for easy access.

OnPsych psychologists and mental health social workers work primarily from an early intervention model, with the students and families. They aim to work with children requiring further support in areas such as anxiety, social skills, Autism, attention deficits, emotion de-regulation, behavioural issues and more. 

OnPsych works at the school in collaboration with existing school-based services. This enhances followed up and provision of strategies to teachers and support staff which ultimately supports the student and their families. 

OnPsych aims to assist young people, their families and teachers to: 

• Become more self-confident and feeling in control of their world.
• Shift from feeling overwhelmed, stressed and vulnerable.
• Make more useful decisions to support their life choices within their peer and community networks.
• Take more positive initiatives. 
• Become more personally resourceful. 

Progress is generally reflected in:

• Improved social skills and clearer communication.
• Enhanced realistic thinking. 
• Healthier coping mechanisms.
• Stronger positive attitudes and self-assurance. 
• Improved social interactions, school performance and less truancy.
• Reduced visits to Medical Practitioners for mental health issues.

If you would like to find out more about the OnPsych services or discuss further how your child could be part of the program in 2023, then please don't hesitate to contact the school or myself at Courtney.Hoffmann@education.vic.gov.au

Kind Regards, 

Courtney Hoffmann

Wellbeing and Inclusion Leading Teacher