Wellbeing Centre News
Westall Secondary College
From the Wellbeing Team!
A message from the Student Wellbeing Coordinator
Ashley Oehler
Term 4 has been busy as we are planning new things and beginning to wrap up for the year.
We have concluded our Tri-Tactics program for the year. In this program six students partook in a program that centres around regulation and appropriate decision making. Congratulations to the students who participated this term!
We have also completed our Mural Program. In this program our student art therapist Fathiah worked with students to create an artwork that created community and brought student ideas to life. This mural has lifted space and been an incredible process. To all the students who participated, we will be hosting celebrations soon!
With the social media ban coming up, if you need support at all, we encourage you to check in with wellbeing. If you need support out of school, consider the services below:
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au
eheadspace – Support for 12–25-year-olds
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
ReachOut – Online tips and peer forums
Ashley Oehler
Wellbeing Coordinator
UNPLUG 24
24 hours not using any social media to raise awareness of sextortion and suicide
Smack Talk is an organisation born out of the founder losing his son to suicide after he experienced sextortion, to honour his memory, and, to create a movement to stop sextortion and suicide.
Sextortion (or sexual extortion) is when someone tricks or coerces people into sending them compromising, sexual, or intimate images or videos, then blackmails them into sending money by threatening to share the images online. Sextortion has increased by around 400% in the past 18 months.
Every year on October 24, Smack Talk organises Unplug 24, and encourages people to turn off social media for 24 hours to raise awareness of suicide and sextortion. This year Westall Secondary College community took part in unplugging from social media for 24 hours on October 24. If you know someone who has been a victim of online crime such as sextortion, the following resources are available:
- Contact the eSafety Commissioner , who can help remove compromising intimate or sexual photos or videos
- Victoria Police Sextortion (sexual extortion) scams | Your safety | Victoria Police
- Kids helpline Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800
References: Unplug24 | SmackTalk
Pamela Johnson
School Nurse
ReachOut article on Practical Strategies for Managing Exam Stress for parents:
Practical strategies for managing exam stress | Exams & teens
Student and Wellbeing Coordinator
(Mon-Fri)
Hello, I’m Ash! As the Student Wellbeing Coordinator, I’m dedicated to fostering a safe and inclusive environment here at WSC. Our wellbeing team collaborates to offer support and resources for every student. Feel free to drop by during lunch to meet us and learn more about how we can support you!
Nadia Papagiannopoulos Student Engagement Officer
(Mon-Fri)
I hold a master’s degree in social work and I am dedicated to empowering young people and helping them access and navigate social services. I predominately work with re-engaging students with their education. This is done through classroom support, one-on-one counselling and assisting in workshops. I am committed to fostering supportive environments that reignite students' enthusiasm for learning and building respectful relationships.
Meaghan Morley
Mental Health Practitioner
(Mon and Wed)
As a member of the school wellbeing team, Meaghan collaborates with others to foster students’ positive mental health. With degrees in Education, Psychology, and a Masters in Youth Mental Health, Meaghan serves as the mental health practitioner, delivering direct counselling support and early intervention services both individually and in groups. She also coordinates with other services for students with complex needs and enhances mental health promotion and prevention through various programs and strategies in the school.
Pamela Johnson
Adolescent Health Nurse
(Tues-Thur)
As the Adolescent Health Nurse, Pamela is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of our students and the broader community. She focuses on reducing risks for young people and promoting better health outcomes. Pamela supports students by providing referrals and leading workshops.
Fathiah Raihan – Art Therapist/Placement Student
(Fridays)
We have a new therapy dog, Kena. Kena belongs to Ms Collins and is here, along with Daisy to keep you comfortable and regulated. Therapy dogs are trained to keep calm and help support our students. When you see them, a friendly reminder to keep calm as we do not want to scare them.
Ashley Oehler
Wellbeing Coordinator
Supporting a healthy headspace is important for our wellbeing. Here are seven tips on how you can support your mental.
