National Bullying Prevention Week – 11–15 August

Our school participated in National Bullying Prevention Week, an annual event that encourages students to take a stand against bullying.

This year’s theme, “Be Bold, Be Kind, Speak Up”, reminded our community to show kindness in words and actions, stand up for ourselves and others, and speak out when we see or experience bullying.

Throughout the week, the Wellbeing Team hosted lunchtime activities in the Learning and Wellbeing Centre. Students traced their hands on coloured paper and wrote positive messages or pledges to stand against bullying. These handprints will be joined together to create a colourful garland and displayed in a central location as a symbol of unity.

Families are also encouraged to explore conversation starters and classroom activities via the Bullying Prevention Week resources here.

Together, we celebrated a week of respect, kindness, and courage.

Year 8 Wellbeing Workshop – How to Look Out for Your Friends and Yourself

Year 8 students took part in an engaging and practical wellbeing workshop, co-facilitated by our Mental Health Practitioner and the local Syndal Headspace team. The session focused on the important topic of “How to Look Out for Your Friends and Yourself”, encouraging students to recognise signs of distress in themselves and others, and to take positive steps to respond.

Students were introduced to the “NIP it in the bud” method – a simple approach that encourages early recognition and action before small issues become bigger challenges. Through interactive role-plays, students practised how to have supportive conversations, seek help from trusted adults, and respond in ways that promote safety and wellbeing.

Key takeaways from the session included:

Notice changes in behaviour, mood, or engagement in yourself and friends
Inquire gently and without judgment if someone seems to be struggling
Provide support by listening, validating feelings, and encouraging professional help when needed
Taking early action can prevent problems from escalating
Looking after your own mental health is just as important as supporting others

The workshop was a great reminder that small acts of care and connection can make a big difference.

Fosia Mohamud

Mental Health Practitioner

On behalf of the Wellbeing Team

Useful Resources for Students and Families

WHSC Wellbeing: wellbeing@whsc.vic.edu.au

Headspace: 24/7 phone counselling service for 12 to 25 year old’s.

P: 1800 650 890

www.headspace.org.au

E-Headspace: 24/7 online counselling service for 12 to 25-year old’s.

www.eheadspace.org.au

Beyondblue: 24-hour Phone and online counselling for mental health.

P: 1300 22 46 36

www.beyondblue.org.au

Beyondblue also have a series of podcasts on various topics. 

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/not-alone

Lifeline: 24-hour phone crisis support and suicide prevention services.

P: 131 114

www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/online-services/crisis-chat

Kids Help Line: 24/7 free phone and online counselling for 13 to 25-year old’s.

P: 1800 55 1800

www.kidshelpline.com.au

Q-Life/Switchboard: Free Online and Phone Counselling, information and advice LGBTIQ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender.

P: 1800 184 527

www.qlife.org.au/resources/chat

VicHealth: Health promotion enabling people to increase control and over and improve health. Physical and Wellbeing activities: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au

5 Ways to Wellbeing: Introducing 5 ways to improve your psychological and emotional health: https://5waystowellbeing.org.au/

1800 RESPECT: 24/7 free online and telephone counselling for Family Violence Affected Family Members.

P: 1800 737 732

www.1800respect.org.au

Men’s Line: 24/7 Support, referrals and counselling for men over the phone and online.

P: 1300 78 99 78

www.mensline.org.au

Suicide Call back Line: 24/7 Phone counselling, online counselling and Video Chat.

P: 1300 659 467

www.suicidecallback.org.au

Parent Line: State wide telephone counselling and support service for all Victorian parents and carers of children from 0-18 years. Experienced social workers, psychologists and family therapists can give families counselling and information around a wide range of parenting issues.

P: 13 22 89

W: Parent Line Link

Black Dog Institute provides a free online resilience course – Mind Strength - for 14 to 16 years, as well as their parents / carers. 

This site also provides information posters – one for students and the other for parents: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/schools/school-resources/mindstrength/

Blokes Psychology has offices based in Scoresby.  They are a unique service as their primary target client group are males from the age of 5 onwards – they also work with people who want to learn how to support and communicate with the males in their life:

https://blokespsychology.com.au

The Team

Fosia Mohamud - Mental Health Practitioner

Fosia.Mohamud@education.vic.gov.au 

Haiyi Feng - Student Wellbeing Counsellor

Haiyi.Feng@education.vic.gov.au

Madeline Azhar - Art Therapist/Counsellor

Madeleine.Azhar@education.vic.gov.au

Annette Paterson - PSD Coordinator (Program for Students with Disabilities)

Annette.Paterson@education.vic.gov.au

WHSC Newsletter

Respect | Excellence | Creativity

Issue 11 · 15 Aug 2025

In this issue