Wellbeing & Inclusion Assistant Principal Report

Hello Lyndale families,

I am pleased to present this newsletter, to end 2023 and write to you here on the lands of the Bunurong people.

It has been a very full 2023 at Lyndale Secondary College in our Wellbeing and Inclusion space, and it has been wonderful getting to know so many students, parents and carers since I joined the Lyndale community in term 1 this year.

2023 has seen our team grow and the introduction of lots of new programs. We also created our new Inclusive learning space in J2, a space in which all students are welcome to check in with our team, play a game, make some lunch and have a safe space to be themselves.

Being a “well being” is more than just a word. We know that around 14 per cent of children and young people aged 4–17 years are affected by mental illness at some time. Like any other illness, prevention is better than a cure.

Our team of wellbeing and Inclusion professionals has grown this year, and we are now resourced fully to provide support to learners and their families.

At LSC we have a full time Mental Health Practitioner, Sam Crotty, a school nurse, Alanna Mc Cormack, a school counsellor, Melissa Sitas, youth workers Isaiah Moe, Anderson Paeaia, and Galaa Galetta , our dedicated doctor, Doctor Neethu, and nurse Sally via the doctors in schools program and Headspace in schools. We are thrilled also to have former LSC student, Orla Maher join our team as our social work and Inclusion administration support officer.

Our learning support team has also grown, and our learning support officers have worked to support learners in and out of the classroom. Your children may have been fortunate enough this year to have worked with Helen, Chris, Jo and Mandeep in learning support.

Each one of these people works tirelessly to support your child, and to offer support and information to parents and families. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their dedication to our students.

Our youth workers and learning support staff have supported students attending a range of wonderful events this year. The team has held student workshop groups, to build our resilience and to support school wide positive behaviour, and have taken students on excursions, and engaged in a wide range of enrichment opportunities.

We also thank Food Bank for their support and would like to remind families that we are here to help.

May we wish all families a safe, happy and restful break and new year.

On behalf of the Wellbeing and Inclusion team,

Stay well,

Michelle Lewis

Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Inclusion

Year 7 Girls Respect and Resilience Group

Koorie Education

This year has also seen the beginning of our Koorie Education Team. This team of staff are passionate to support our Koorie learners, and to embed First Nations perspectives and content across our curriculum. We look forward to building our community links. This year we held major events for NAIDOC week and all year 7 students were given the opportunity to be smoked in to country by Bunurong heritage officer Sonia

Weston. Sonia shared with our students her story of country, and connection, and inspired them to walk as allies towards reconciliation and recognition.

We were also fortunate enough to host a campfire conversation, inviting members of the wider community to share their voice for self determination in education.

Southeast Community Links and Melbourne City FC Healthy Masculinity Program

A highlight for many of our year 9 boys was their involvement in this amazing program. Sponsored by MCFC and SECL this weekly wellbeing and inclusion program supported healthy minds, healthy habits and healthy masculinity. Our young men unpacked what it is to be a respectful and responsible man in today’s world, while enjoying weekly soccer skills training. The semester long program ended last week with a family fun day. We were thrilled to have families join with us to celebrate the achievements of the boys.

We were joined by special guest, model and footballer Jo Jo Amaah, who shared his own story of strength and resilience. We also heard from Karly Roestbakken & Laura Hughes, A-League Women’s team, Melbourne City Football Club.

Holiday Self Care Guide for Young People

Our school nurse Alanna has also created a Holiday Self Care guide for young people, which we hope you all enjoy.

Holidays can be a mixed bag: excitement about the season, time out from school or work… At the same time changes to routine, separation from friends, and family tensions can cause some people to feel stressed, isolated and alone. Below are tips from Headspace for getting through the holidays:

STAY CONNECTED! Keep in contact with friends especially those who help you feel good about yourself.

KEEP TO A ROUTINE. Get up in the morning, eat at usual meal times.

GRAB SOME ZZZ. Most of us need at least eight hours of sleep at night and some of us need more. Go to bed early to get your shut-eye rather than sleeping late.

TUNE INTO MUSIC that relaxes you and lifts your mood. Even better, dance!

GET MOVING! Get involved in local activities, or go for a walk, swim, cycle or skate with friends.

Cut down, cut out or DON’T START WITH ALCOHOL, SMOKES OR VAPES. They can fuel arguments and have a really negative impact on your mental wellbeing.

CHECK IN WITH YOUR FRIENDS. They might be feeling lonely, bored or down and find it too hard to make the first move – suggest you meet up.

KEEP IN MIND: Parents, carers and family often get stressed about things at this time of year and might not realise how hard it is for you. Take them aside and let them know if you're struggling or need support.

GET OUT AND ABOUT Our local area is filled with free stuff to do!

Libraries, Youth Centres, Parks, Bike Paths, Picnics, Skate parks, Basketball Courts, Pools, Soccer Fields. Dandenong Youth Services are hosting a School Holiday Summer 2024 Program. The South East Community Links Youth Hub is open Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm.

SEEK OUT ADVICE AND SUPPORT. If you feel things are getting too much there are services open throughout the holidays:

KIDS HELP LINE (ages 5-25) and LIFELINE (all ages) are both open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offer free and confidential counselling.

13 YARN (all ages) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.

EHEADSPACE offers free online and telephone counselling for ages 12-25 from 9am-1am, 7 days a week. Call 1800 650 890 or go to eheadspace.org.au

YOUR DOCTOR (GP) can provide support. Many doctors and medical centres are open over the holidays.

IN AN EMERGENCY, if you are really worried about your wellbeing and don’t think you’ll be safe, CALL 000 or go to the hospital emergency.

NEED A SAFE PLACE TO STAY? WAYSS can help if you or a friend are at risk of being homeless. Call 9791 6111

FINANCIAL HELP IS AVAILABLE Community organisations that help when money is low can be found here: https://askizzy.org.au/

Summer Activities for Students

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the amazing programs on offer through our wider community to keep you all busy, happy and well during the holiday period.

Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place

Yarn & Art

Date: Every Thursday

Time: 10am - 2pm

Venue: Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place - 20 Agonis Street, Doveton

Booking information:

You can Register online using the link below or by contacting (03) 9792 7378 https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QimgRFtOCkKLxPYLkSgfLoQfxaiguhFHjuI5MHyZliNUREtMOFhJUUdDWlFHNlRUM1NPSU5TWFlKTiQlQCN0PWcu

Interactive Gardening Group

Date: Every Tuesday

Time: 10am - 2pm

Venue: Casey Aboriginal Gathering Place - 20 Agonis Street, Doveton

Booking Information:

You can Register online using the link below or by contacting (03) 9792 7378. https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QimgRFtOCkKLxPYLkSgfLoQfxaiguhFHjuI5MHyZliNUREtMOFhJUUdDWlFHNlRUM1NPSU5TWFlKTiQlQCN0PWcu

City of Dandenong Summer Vibes January School Holidays Program

Booking Information

• Bookings essential. Bookings can be made online via this link https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/summer-vibes-january-school-holidays-program-tickets-739065122677?aff=oddtdtcreator
• If you need any support in making a booking online, phone 9793 255 from Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm.
• To attend these holiday activities, you must live, study, work or have a significant connection with the City of Greater Dandenong.
• Book in early as some activities will sell out. Spots cannot be kept on hold.
• Carers are welcome to assist young people with additional needs. Carers may need to arrange their own transport and entry fee. Please contact Youth and Family Services for further details.

For more information you can visit the Greater Dandenong

Locations for bus pick up and drop off points

• Dandenong - Clow Street Office, 39 Clow Street, Dandenong
• Noble Park - Noble Park Aquatic Centre, Memorial Drive, Noble Park
• Springvale - Springvale Library, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale

BONBEACH DAY TRIP (for young people ages 12 - 25 years) - FREE

• Wednesday 10 January (10:00am – 1:00pm)
• Bonbeach
• Bookings essential
• Bus Pick-up and Drop-off available from predetermined locations in Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park (refer to information below)

BOUNCE INTO SUMMER - $15 p/person

• Thursday 11 January (12:00pm - 2:00pm)
• Bounce Inc. Keysborough
• Bookings essential
• Bus Pick-up and Drop-off available from predetermined locations in Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park (refer to information below)

ARTS AND CRAFT MANIA (for young people ages 12 - 25 years) - FREE

• Friday 12 January (12:00pm - 2:00pm)
• Clow Street Office, 39 Clow Street, Dandenong
• Bookings essential

ALL ABOUT ARCHERY (for young people ages 12 - 25 years) - $20 p/person

• Tuesday 16 January (12:00pm - 2:00pm)
• AIM Archery Club, Cheltenham
• Bookings essential
• Bus Pick-up and Drop-off available from predetermined locations in Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park (refer to information below)

INTRODUCTION TO CROCHET (for young people ages 12 - 25 years) - FREE

• Thursday18 January (2:30pm - 3:30pm)
• Dandenong Library, Programs Room 1&2
• Bookings essential

MOVIE MADNESS (for young people ages 12 - 25 years) - $5 p/person

• Friday 19 January (11:45am - 2:30pm)
• Clow Street Office, 39 Clow Street, Dandenong
• Bookings essential

RICE PAPER ROLLS (for young people ages 12 - 25 years) - $5

• Monday 22 January (11:00am - 1:00pm)
• Noble Park Community Centre, 44 Memorial Drive, Noble Park
• Bookings essential

PADDED BASICS AND NON-STRIKING SELF DEFENCE SKILLS (for young people ages 12 - 25 years) - FREE

• Tuesday 23 January (2:30pm - 3:30pm)
• Springvale Library, Mitchell Hall, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale
• Bookings essential

GUMBUYA WORLD (for young people ages 12 - 25 years) - $35 p/person

• Wednesday 24 January (10:00am - 3:00pm)
• Gumbuya World, Tynong North
• Bookings essential
• Bus Pick-up and Drop-off available from predetermined locations in Dandenong, Springvale and Noble Park (refer to information below)

UPCYCLING WORKSHOP (for young people ages 12 - 25 years) - FREE

• Thursday 25 January (12:00pm - 2:00pm)
• Clow Street Office, 39 Clow Street, Dandenong
• Bookings essential

City of Casey Teenage School Holiday Program

Booking information:

• Bookings are open to young people who live, work or study in the City of Casey.
• Bookings are essential and places are limited, you can book a spot using the link below. https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1143246. If you require assistance with booking you can call 9705 5200 and the team will help you.
• Participants must be booked in individually
• Multiple events can be purchased in the booking
• Week 1 bookings close Thursday 11 January at 5.00 pm (unless sold out prior)
• Week 2 bookings close Thursday 18 January at 5.00 pm (unless sold out prior)

For more information you can visit the City of Casey’s website using this link: https://www.casey.vic.gov.au/holidays

Fun with Food - Cooking Workshop (for young people ages 10-17 years) - $5

• Lynbrook Community Centre
• Monday January 15th 11:00am – 02:00pm
• Free Bus
• Bookings essential

Thrill Ride Summer at Luna Park (for young people ages 10-17 years) - $35

• Luna Park
• Tuesday January 16th 11:00am – 03:00pm
• Free Bus
• Bookings essential

Swim, Slide and Splash (for young people ages 10-17 years) - $10

• Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre
• Wednesday 17th January 10:30am – 2:30 pm
• Free Bus
• Bookings essential

Summer Fest at Narre Warren Youth Information Centre (for young people ages 10-17 years) – FREE

• 52 Webb Street, Narre Warren
• Friday 19th of January 1:30pm – 5:00pm

Game on – Online activity (for young people ages 10-17) FREE

• Online
• Monday January 17th 10:30am – 11:30 pm
• Bookings essential
• Link will be provided 48 hours before the activity

Splat ball showdown (for young people ages 10-17) - $33

• World Series Paintball, Oakleigh
• Tuesday January 23rd 10:40am-12:30pm
• Free bus · Individual Waiver form required for this activity. Please download ‘Waiver Form’ and return to Casey Youth Staff team prior to attending the activity
• Bookings essential

Blockbuster Summer – Migration (for young people ages 10-17) - $21

• Cameo Cinemas, Belgrave
• Thursday January 25th 10:45am – 1:45pm
• Movie snack included
• Free Bus

Community links:

From time to time we all need a helping hand.

“Compassion is the wish to see others free from suffering.” – Dalai Lama

Families can access holiday support through these organisations. 

https://secl.org.au/

https://www.whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/

1800 RESPECT

https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/locations/dandenong-311-lonsdale-street/

Alanna McCormack 

Secondary School Nurse