Student Wellbeing
Tips to Get Enough Sleep
‘Sleep hygiene’ refers to healthy habits, behaviours and environmental factors that can be adjusted to help you have a good night’s sleep. Some sleeping problems are often caused by bad sleep habits reinforced over years or even decades. In many cases, you can improve your sleep quality by making a few adjustments to lifestyle and attitude.
Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. The way you feel while you are awake depends in part on what happens while you are sleeping. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health.
In children and teens, sleep also helps support growth and development. Getting inadequate sleep over time can raise your risk for chronic (long-term) health problems. It can also affect how well you think, react, work, learn, and get along with others.
After school holiday late nights and late starts, sometimes it can take a few days to re-train your body into a healthy sleep routine. Poor sleep habits can impact your ability to get up in the morning for school, concentrate through class and can make you feel fatigued and flat most of the day if you haven’t had enough sleep.
Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
Check out the Sleep for Teens resource below and speak to a member of the Student Wellbeing team if you are struggling to get enough sleep.
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Year 11 Party Safe Program
On Wednesday 24th June, all Year 11 students will participate in the Red Frogs Party Safe Program at school. The Party Safe program leaves students aware of and equipped to navigate many of the situations they may be confronted with in various party environments, such as after parties and music festivals.
This hands-on program helps students identify the dangers present in party situations and equips them with strategies to make informed decisions to protect themselves and others. Topics covered include the laws around alcohol and drugs, managing peer pressure, the dangers of drink spiking and safe partying tips.
About Red Frogs
Red Frogs is a support program for young people from the ages of 13 – 30.
We recognise that the culture of young people is dominated by alcohol and that excessive consumption of alcohol and other substances can lead to dangerous and life-altering behaviours.Therefore we've made it our mission to provide a positive peer presence in alcohol-fuelled environments where young people gather; educate young people on safe partying behaviours; and promote alcohol-free and/or diversionary activities that engage young people in these environments.
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Resources for the term holidays
As we approach the Term 2 holidays, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you for a restful break. We hope this time brings you moments of happiness, connection and rejuvenation.
We understand that holidays can also bring about various emotions, and we want to reassure you that support is available. If you find yourself or your child feeling anxious or in need of support, we want to make sure you are aware of the resources available outside the school.
Here you will find a list of mental health resources designed to provide assistance and guidance to students and families seeking support during the holiday break. IPC Health Deer Park also offer a variety of support services.
We encourage you to explore these resources and reach out if you or your child need assistance. Remember that it's okay to ask for help, and there are professionals ready to support you.
Brimbank Youth have programs available for young people to keep them active and engaged in the community, see link Our Programs — Brimbank Youth Services — Brimbank City Council.
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Foodbank
At VUSC we promote healthy eating and drinking. We would like to remind students to please remember to pack a healthy lunch and snack and bring their water bottle to school every day. In the event students have forgotten their lunch/snack, they can come to the Student Wellbeing Room, at the Junior Campus in C-Block courtyard and at the Senior Campus building D before school only to grab some healthy food options.
Breakfast Club is available:
- Junior Campus Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:15—8:55am in Room A4
- Senior Campus Wednesdays and Fridays 8:15am—8:45am in the Building B kitchen.
Doctors in Schools
Victoria University Secondary College is fortunate to be part of the Department of Education’s Doctors in Secondary Schools Program.
As part of this program, we have a Doctor and Nurse from IPC Health in Deer Park available to see VUSC students for FREE appointments at school every Monday at the Senior Campus, in the portable behind Building E.
Parents of Junior Campus students may also make appointments with the Doctor on Mondays, however they must transport their child to the Senior Campus.
What does Doctors in Schools mean for our students?
It makes primary health care more accessible
It provides support to students through early identification of health problems
No cost – this is a free service.
What can the Doctor assist our students with?
The same services at school as those provided by GP’s in the community
Physical Health
Mental Health
Health advice and support
Appointments can be made in advance via a Teacher or the Wellbeing team. They will book the appointment and advise the student of the date and time via Teams chat. Students are also welcome to self-refer using the QR code in their planner.
If you have any questions regarding the Doctors in Secondary Schools program, please contact the Senior Campus on 8312 0200.
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RRRR Program & Support Services
VUSC is implementing the Rights, Resilience and Respectful Relationships program, which is a primary prevention initiative to reduce family violence through promoting and modelling respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. If you are experience family violence, or would like information or support, please visit the site below or call 1800RESPECT.
https://www.vic.gov.au/family-violence-statewide-support-services
The school community is welcome to access these services for support:
The Orange Door | orangedoor.vic.gov.au
headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
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