Child Safety and Wellbeing
Adolescent Health Nurse
I just wanted to introduce myself. I am the new adolescent health nurse, and I am located in the wellbeing office on Monday and Thursdays.
I work within the student wellbeing team to improve the health and wellbeing of all students within the school community and my role is to facilitate health promotion and health education activities within the school environment.
I can also help individual students with specific information, guidance, support and external referrals based on their individual needs with 1 on 1 health consultations. This can include any adolescent health concerns including relationships, sexual health and consent, smoking, vaping, alcohol and other drugs, sleep issues, body image issues, cyber safety/bullying and so much more.
All consultations are completely confidential except in exceptional situations ( medical emergencies, risk to self or others or for legal requirements).
If you see me around the school be sure to say hi or if you feel you need a chat, drop into the wellbeing office where I am located or students, teachers and parents can also put in a referral for a 1 on 1 consultation. Additionally, you can email me on heather.lavery@education.vic.gov.au
Looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to know you.
Heather Lavery.
Information for families and the school community.
Elisabeth Murdoch College is committed to providing an environment where students are safe and feel safe.
Our child safety framework includes policies, codes and procedures that explain how we support and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students and protect them from harm. These documents are available on our website: https://www.emc.vic.edu.au/?page_id=364.
We are also committed to continuous improvement of our child safety framework. We are currently reviewing our child safety policies and practices to ensure they are up-to-date and effective.
Our students and families are important partners in this process. We welcome your feedback or ideas on ways we can improve our approach to child safety and wellbeing.
If you have any suggestions or comments, please contact Terry Kiat on 9788 2600 or at elisabeth.murdoch.co@education.vic.gov.au.
Stay well this winter
Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu.
Keeping our school community well
Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:
- washing and sanitising hands regularly,
- avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands,
- covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing,
- staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required,
- staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations
Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations.
Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.
COVID-19 booster
The 2024 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.
Getting your booster dose remains 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 2024 booster dose.
You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.
Find out more
For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to: