Health/Wellbeing

 

As we wrap up Term 2 and look ahead to the school holidays and to Term 3, the Wellbeing Team is pleased to share reflections on our recent activities, highlight supports available over the break, and preview exciting events planned for next term. We’ve had a busy and meaningful term, with a focus on inclusivity, exam preparation, and student wellbeing. Here’s a look back at Term 2 and what’s coming up!

 

Reflection on Term 2 Activities

Term 2 was filled with engaging activities that promoted connection, learning, and wellbeing across the school community. Here’s a snapshot of what we achieved together:

 

Cultural Acknowledgment: Through lunchtime activities we recognised National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week, fostering respect and understanding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. A special shout out to the Wellbeing Student Committee who put together information and a presentation that was shared in BRICKS classes to acknowledge National Sorry Day.

 

IDAHOBIT & Pride Month: We acknowledged IDAHOBIT and celebrated Pride Month with a vibrant event with live music and rainbow shoelace beads. Special thanks to the Culture and Diversity Student Committee for their organisation and support in this event.  

 

Guest Speaker: We were honoured to host Weda from Uniting Care Komak, who shared her inspiring lived experience and journey to Australia with the Darrabi class, offering students valuable insights into resilience and community.


Supports Over School Holidays

As we head into the school holidays, it’s important to take time to recharge and stay connected. Here are some resources to support your wellbeing during the break:

  • Family Activities: VicHealth offers fantastic ideas for family-friendly activities that encourage connection and physical activity. Check out their Family School Holiday Activities for inspiration.

     

  • Mindfulness & Relaxation: Continue practising the mindfulness techniques from our Term 2 sessions. Resources like Smiling Mind are great for guided exercises you can do at home.

Remember, taking care of your mental and physical health during the holidays will help you return to school refreshed and ready for Term 3!


Looking Ahead to Term 3

Term 3 is shaping up to be an exciting and impactful term with several key events and programs designed to promote inclusivity, leadership, and wellbeing. Here’s what's on the horizon:

  • Student Leadership Program: Our Student Leaders will participate in a three-week program with Third Culture, focusing on identity, inclusion, and leadership. Through interactive sessions, students will explore topics like discrimination, intersectionality, and respectful relationships, building skills to become changemakers in our school and community.

     

  • Key Awareness Weeks
    • NAIDOC Week Celebration
    • Bullying No Way Week
    • Wear it Purple Day
    • Body Image Awareness Week
    • Suicide Prevention Day
    • R U OK? Day

These events will offer opportunities for students to engage in meaningful discussions, raise awareness, and show support for important causes.

 

Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved in these initiatives!


Additional Information

  • Vaping Awareness: To help students make informed choices, we encourage you to explore VicHealth’s ‘Uncloud’ youth hub, which provides education on the harms of vaping. Visit Uncloud for more information.

Moving Forward Together

As we close Term 2, we reflect on the strength and unity of our school community. The holidays offer a vital opportunity for everyone—teaching staff, support staff, admin, students, parents, and community members—to pause, recharge, and nurture their wellbeing. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones, resting, or engaging in activities that bring joy, we encourage you to prioritise self-care to return refreshed for Term 3.

 

Enjoy the holidays, and we look forward to reconnecting in Term 3!

 

The Student Health and Wellbeing, Engagement Team

 

Support Services information

📞 Helplines:

📋 Specialist Support Services:

  • Sexual Assault, Domestic or Family Violence: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
  • DFFH After Hours: 13 12 78 
  • Psychiatric Triage Service: 1300 369 012
  • Police, Fire, Ambulance: 000

🏠 Accommodation:

  • WAYSS 9791 6111 
  • Emergency Youth Accommodation: 1800 627 727

🌐 Online safety concerns?

  • eSafety Commissioner: esafety.gov.au 

🔎 Looking for extra help?

  • askizzy.org.au — Find mental health, housing, food, financial, and legal help

🚨 Emergency Services:

  • Police, Fire, Ambulance: 000

Stay well this winter 

This winter season, more people are getting and being hospitalised with influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others – it is never too late to vaccinate.

 

Keeping our school community well 

We encourage parents, carers and students to:

  • wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face
  • cough or sneeze into your elbow
  • stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed
  • stay up to date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

 

Some people are more at risk of severe illness from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

 

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies. Many can give a COVID-19 booster at the same time. 

 

COVID-19 booster

The COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and over.  Regular COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

 

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a booster dose.

 

You can get your booster at your local pharmacy or GP. The COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder can tell you if you need a booster, and where to get one. 

 

RSV vaccinations for mothers and babies

RSV is a common virus that causes colds and ear infections. In babies, it can cause severe illnesses like bronchiolitis. 

 

The RSV vaccine is available for pregnant women as part of the National Immunisation Program. In Victoria, eligible babies can also get the RSV vaccine until Tuesday 30 September 2025. For more information, refer to Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation.

 

You can speak with your GP or midwife about the vaccine. 

 

Find out more

For more information about staying well this winter, refer to: