Wellbeing Update

🌿 Welcome to Term 2 — A Message from Sally

As we settle into Term 2 and the cooler months begin to creep in, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Sally and I have the pleasure of stepping into the role of Wellbeing Leader during Paul’s absence.

I’ve worked in education for many years across a number of school settings, including specialist pathways programs, and I’m genuinely excited to be joining the Lowanna community. I’m looking forward to getting to know our students, staff, families and carers as we continue to support the wellbeing and growth of every young person in our care.

I’m also lucky enough to have a very special coworker — a fluffy black‑and‑white bundle of energy named Roxy. Roxy is a fully certified therapy dog who absolutely adores people and she’ll be spending time around the school offering comfort, connection and plenty of tail wags.

I’m thrilled to be here and can’t wait to work alongside you all as the term unfolds. My door is always open. 

LIVE 4 LIFE CREW 2026        

Lowanna College is proud to congratulate Tehya Bird and Shaun Brodie on being selected as our 2026 Live4Life Crew Members. Their achievement reflects not only leadership but a genuine commitment to supporting youth mental health across our community.

Tehya and Shaun recently represented Lowanna College at the Latrobe Valley Crew Induction Day, held at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre. The event brought together student crews from secondary schools across the Latrobe Valley for a full day of connection, collaboration and creativity.

Throughout the day, students took part in:

• Networking activities — building relationships with peers from other schools.
• Team planning — preparing for their roles as mental health ambassadors.
• Theme poster development — designing the 2026 Live 4 Life message that will be shared across the community.

Their involvement supports the broader mission of Live4Life, a program created in response to rising concerns in schools and youth agencies around depression, anxiety, cyberbullying and self‑harm. The initiative aims to deliver a coordinated, community‑wide approach to improving young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Tehya and Shaun now join a passionate network of young leaders dedicated to making a positive difference. We look forward to seeing the impact they will create throughout 2026.

Sally Sandy

Wellbeing Leader

A message from Naomi.... 

Supporting students through teenage years

Adolescence is a period of tremendous growth and development. It can be daunting to know how to provide support through the dual transitions to secondary school and to adolescence. But it is better to start somewhere than to not start at all.

With help from the adults in their life, children can ease into adolescence and secondary school. They can develop the skills and attributes they need to succeed. Resources can be found at Easing into adolescence: resources for families | vic.gov.au

IDAHOBIT Day

May 17 is the International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination! Wearing a rainbow pin or accessory shows your support for the LGBTQIA+ community and helps people to feel safe and included.

The Standout Group is held on Monday's at lunchtime, alternating weeks for junior (7-8) and senior (9-12) groups. LGBTQIA+ and allies are welcome. See Naomi, our Secondary School Nurse, in wellbeing for more information.

Energy Drinks

Postitivechoices.org.au have published information on the impact of energy drinks.

It is recommended that children and teenagers should limit their intake of caffeinated drinks. Read more at caffeine-factsheet

Naomi Mock

Secondary School Nurse

Headspace

There are a range of supports available for young people at Headspace. Click below for more information and see below information about their upcoming Pride Party.

Youth Mental Health First Aid for parents/guardians - EOI Form

As part of the Live4Life initiative in the Latrobe Valley, a 14-hour certificate course in Youth Mental Health First Aid is being offered to all interested parents and carers who have students at Live4Life schools.   This course is designed to improve the mental health knowledge, skills and attitudes of our community. The course was created by Mental Health First Aid Australia and is delivered by locally based trained Instructors.   Click below to express your interest in completing the course.

Youth Mental Health First Aid EOI's for parents/guardians – Fill out form