Western Heights College Newsletter

WELLBEING

As of 1st July 2024, vapes will no longer be available other than in pharmacies. Any young person who has become dependent on nicotine as a result of using vapes, might now face a challenging time as they try to manage their recovery. There is help:

If someone you know needs help – please encourage them to seek support. 

For more information visit the Barwon Health, Healthy Communities Website

 

We have a number of programs that are on offer to benefit students.

  • The Year 7 Empower group for approximately 10 Year 7 students has commenced and will run for 55 weeks focusing on managing anxiety
  • Brainstorm will be running presentations for Years 7 and 8

Our Inclusion Team for 2024

 

Inclusive Practices Learning Specialist: Paige Karamatic

Located in the Red Building

Monday - Friday

Paige.Karamatic@education.vic.gov.au

 

Inclusion Support: Leanne Meyer

Located in the Red Building

Monday - Friday

Leanne.Meyer@education.vic.gov.au

 

 

 

Health Promotion Nurse: Lisa Cooper 

Located in the Purple/Grey building

Monday & Tuesday

lisa.cooper2@education.vic.gov.au

  • Classroom support: sexual health, cyber health, and special programs/activities – Idahobit, diversity, etc. 
  • Individual health support for students
  • Implements and leads supporting health programs – i.e., ‘Docs and Teens’
  • COG & Batforce liaison 
  • Staff first aid training and other related professional learning

 

Mental Health Practitioner: Maddison Zeinstra

Located in the Purple/Grey Building

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday

maddie.zeinstra@education.vic.gov.au

 

 

Engagement and Wellbeing Co-ordinator/Chaplain: Sarah Burns

Located in Purple/Grey Building

Monday-Wednesday

sarah.burns7@education.vic.gov.au

 

 

Mental Health Practitioner: Joey O'Shea

Located in Purple/Grey Building

Tuesday

johanna.oshea@education.vic.gov.au

 

 

Barwon Community Legal Service: 

Located in the Purple/Grey Building

Mondays & Fridays

whcschoollawyer@barwoncommunitylegal.org.au

  • We are here to help students understand their legal rights and responsibilities. 

 

 

Koorie Engagement Support Officer: Sarah Upton

0421 780 718 

Sarah.Upton@education.vic.gov.au 

Sarah is a proud Gunditjmara woman who has been living in beautiful Wadawurrung country for 4 years and has been involved in the education system for several years as a generalist teacher. She has always been passionate about Koorie students achieving high outcomes during their education journey.  Sarah feels fortunate to be working as a Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) within her local Aboriginal community. She is a lifelong learner and firmly believe that education is essential to building solid foundations to empower students and their families have a voice and allow them to make positive independent strong choices to benefit them in the future which will allow them to feel like they can be the best version of themselves and contribute to society in a positive manner. 

If you are worried about your child, or any person and their mental health and well-being outside school hours or during weekends you can contact the Barwon Health Mental Health Triage for urgent support 24/7 on 1300 094 187.

 

Two important messages to promote are that all of us should seek help from others when we feel down or vulnerable and that young people should tell an adult if they are worried about a friend or themselves.

 

Please find the following helpful numbers and websites to keep us connected and provide the support necessary to maintain positive mental and physical health: 

 

LOCAL SUPPORTS:

 GENERAL:

  • Lifeline – call 13 11 14 for this free Australia-wide crisis support service which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week OR TEXT: 0477 13 11 14 between 6pm – midnight, 7 nights a week
  • Kids Help Line – call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling and advice for young people between the ages of five and 25.
  • Headspace – eHeadspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. (Open 9am-1am daily.
  • Reachout – visit their website for information, tools and support for young people with mental health issues.
  • Alcohol and drug foundation – free health advice for young people on alcohol and drug use, including mental health.
  • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 https://beyondblue.org.au (Phone support all day, every day. Online support 3pm-midnight every day).
  • Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467. Phone support all day, every day, and follow-up calls.

Good self-care practices are important in taking care of ourselves and our mental health. Remember, it is ok to ask for help. Take care of yourself, and each other and do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our wellbeing team in our school community if you need some additional support.