Wellbeing
Jacki Landy - The Wellbeing Team
Welcome to Term 4 – The Final Stretch Finish strong, not perfect!
Welcome back to Term 4! We hope our students and families enjoyed a well-deserved break and had the opportunity to recharge before the final stretch of the school year.
There's something exciting about Term 4. The weather is getting warmer, summer is getting closer, and the countdown to the end of the school year has officially begun!
But let's acknowledge something else... Term 4 can also feel like the final kilometre of a very long race.
By this point, we've already navigated three busy terms, and while the finish line is in sight, there are still exams, assessments, deadlines and end-of-year commitments to get through. For some students, motivation might be running a little low, and the thought of everything still to come can feel overwhelming.
The good news? You don't need to have endless motivation or energy to finish the year feeling proud of yourself.
The Final Stretch Mindset
When we think about finishing the year successfully, it's easy to focus on everything we still need to achieve. But sometimes, the most helpful thing we can do is shift our thinking.
Instead of "I have so much to do!" try "What's the next thing I can focus on?"
Instead of "I'm so behind!" try "What is one small step I can take today?"
Instead of "I just need to survive until the holidays!" try "How can I make these final weeks enjoyable too?"
Positive thinking isn't about pretending everything is easy or ignoring the challenges ahead. It's about recognising that while we can't always control our circumstances, we can influence how we approach them.
Five Ways to Make the Most of Term 4
Focus on the next step, not the entire staircase. Break bigger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces.
Don't wait for motivation to magically appear. Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Give yourself five minutes and see where it takes you.
Celebrate the little wins. Finished an assignment? Asked for help? Made it through a challenging week? Give yourself some credit!
Keep something to look forward to. Whether it's catching up with friends, enjoying the warmer weather or a weekend activity, life shouldn't become all about schoolwork.
Remember that progress isn't always a straight line. A difficult day doesn't mean a difficult term, and one disappointing result doesn't define your year.
A Little Reminder...
As we head towards the end of the school year, remember that success looks different for everyone. For some, it might be achieving an academic goal. For others, it might be building confidence, strengthening friendships, improving attendance or simply learning how to manage challenges a little better.
You don't need to finish the year perfectly. You just need to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
As always, our Wellbeing Team is here to support students throughout Term 4, whether that's a quick check-in, working through a challenging situation or providing short-term wellbeing support.
Let's make the final term one worth remembering!
Community Connections – Support Beyond the Classroom
As we begin Term 4, we'd also like to highlight two fantastic services offered by EACH, providing opportunities for young people and families to connect, access support and build positive relationships within our local community.
Your Space – A Place to Connect, Create and Hang Out!
Looking for somewhere to catch up with friends, meet new people or simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon?
Your Space is a welcoming and supportive drop-in program for young people aged 12–25 years, offering a range of activities and opportunities to connect with others.
Young people can enjoy:
Video games, board games and creative activities
Gardening and opportunities to get involved in the community
Delicious food, prizes and giveaways
Connecting with friends and making new ones
Access to support workers when needed
All identities are welcome, and the program provides a safe, inclusive environment for young people to be themselves.
Program Details
When: Every second Tuesday, 3:00pm–6:00pm
Upcoming 2026 dates: 27 October, 10 and 24 November, and 8 December
Where: 46 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood
Enquiries:youthandfamilyvic@each.com.au
EACH Youth & Family Counselling – Free Support for Young People and Families
Sometimes we all need a little extra support, and knowing where to turn can make a big difference.
The EACH Youth & Family Counselling Team provides free counselling for young people aged 12–18 years, as well as brief parenting support for parents and carers of young people in this age group.
Counsellors can assist with a range of challenges, including:
Anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns
Friendships, bullying and peer relationships
Managing expectations, relationships and boundaries
Self-esteem and identity
Grief and loss
The service is available to individuals and families who live, work, study or participate in activities within Knox, Maroondah or Yarra Ranges.
How to Access Support
Phone: 1300 003 224
Availability: Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm
Location: Building B, 46 Warrandyte Road, Ringwood
Parents and carers can access parenting support even if their young person is not receiving counselling through the service.
For further information about EACH and its services, visit www.each.com.au.
Maroondah Community Assist
The Maroondah Community Assist in an emergency relief organisation, assisting those experiencing hardship in the Maroondah area. Providing:
Grocery staples
Toiletries
Prescription vouchers
Christmas assistance
Referrals to other agencies can be made if the Maroondah Community Assist team are unable to provide assistance
No appointment required.
Location: 8/7 Civic Square, Croydon (Building behind Croydon Library)
Open Hours: 9:30am – 1:00pm Tuesday to Friday