Wellbeing at Homestead

What’s on in Wellbeing?

This term we have dived into topics that promote mental, emotional, physical, and cultural wellness. As we navigate through the challenges of daily life, let's remember to prioritize self-care and support one another. So far this term we have celebrated diversity, identity, and inclusion. 

Wellbeing this term:

IDAHOBIT Day 

IDAHOBIT Day is a time to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and work towards creating a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, can live free from fear, stigma, and discrimination. 

On this day, we came together to make bracelets and answer questions that represent and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Reconciliation Week 

Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity for us to reflect on the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, recognize the resilience and contributions of Indigenous cultures, and commit to building a more inclusive and equitable society for all. 

This term we planted a native Australian tree in our garden to honour this day.

Cultural Day 

Cultural Day is a day to celebrate and honour the diverse cultures within our community. The purpose of Cultural Day is to foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for different cultures, while also promoting diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism. It provides an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate the richness of their collective heritage.

On Friday 31st of May we celebrated Cultural Day with cultural performances, cuisine and dresswear. 

Pride Festival

Pride Month is a time of celebration, remembrance, activism, and unity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the progress that has been made in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as the work that remains to be done to achieve full equality and acceptance for all.

At Homestead we celebrated Pride Month through our Pride festival on Monday 3rd of June. The festival was hosted by Homestead’s Rainbow group and included crafts, trivia, game on competition, rainbow group alumni guest speakers, Victoria Police Liaison Officer, Youth Projects LGBTQIA+ Outreach and more. 

TMHFA

The year 10 and 12 cohorts have participated in the Teen Mental Health First Aid Program. Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) is a training program designed to teach individuals how to provide initial support to adolescents experiencing mental health challenges or crises. Like traditional Mental Health First Aid, TMHFA focuses specifically on the unique needs and experiences of teenagers, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to recognize common mental health issues and intervene effectively. The program aims to increase awareness, promote early intervention, build confidence, and facilitate help-seeking.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week 

Neurodiversity Week is a time to celebrate the richness and diversity of the human brain, promote acceptance and understanding of neurodivergent individuals, and work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible society where everyone is valued and respected for who they are.

At Homestead we hosted an ‘Ask Anything’ panel with the topic of neurodiversity. Many students engaged and asked insightful and thoughtful questions about neurodiversity that promoted a safe and inclusive environment.

Wellbeing in Term 3

We are stronger together, and at Homestead we like to come together as a community to celebrate diversity and inclusion. Here is what we have coming up:

Exam Stress Workshop 

All students will have the opportunity to attend a drop-in session, hosted by Emma, our Mental Health Practitioner, to learn about study skills and ways to manage stress around exams. 

R U Ok? Day

The primary objective of R U OK? Day is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention, while also providing practical tools and resources for individuals to support those around them who may be struggling. The day serves as a reminder that a simple conversation can make a difference in someone's life and that reaching out to ask if someone is okay can be the first step towards providing much-needed support and connection.

Wear it Purple Day 

Wear It Purple Day is an annual observance held on the last Friday in August, to show support for LGBTQIA+ youth and promote acceptance, inclusion, and diversity within communities and schools. The main aim of Wear It Purple Day is to create a visible display of solidarity with LGBTQIA+ young people and to send a message that everyone has the right to be proud of who they are, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. By wearing purple clothing or accessories, participants demonstrate their support for LGBTQ+ rights and their commitment to challenging discrimination and prejudice.