Wellbeing update

Wellbeing @ KSC

We are coming to the close of another busy term here at Koonung and the winter chill has certainly set in. With this in mind, we thought it was timely to share some tips for students, staff and families on how to maintain a healthy mental outlook through the colder months, which can often be linked to a more challenging time. 

Here is some information and tips from eheadspace:

Australia doesn’t get dark for months on end like some other countries in the Northern Hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean that Australians don’t get SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused by shorter days and less sunlight which affects your natural circadian rhythms, as well as your melatonin production. 

Symptoms may include:

• Feeling of sadness or depressed mood 
• Marked loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed 
• Changes in appetite; usually eating more, craving carbohydrates 
• Change in sleep; usually sleeping too much 
• Loss of energy or increased fatigue despite increased sleep hours 
• Increase in restless activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech 
• Feeling worthless or guilty 
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions 
• Thoughts of death or suicide or attempts at suicide

It is important to recognise that seasonal affective disorder isn’t the same as year long depression that is not linked to seasonal or time of year changes, and it is also different to just the regular ‘bad day’ or ‘hard week’ that we all experience. However, the ways to manage any of these challenges can look the same. Some excellent tips:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
• Follow a simple bedtime routine that signals rest, such as taking a bath, turning down the lights, or drinking a cup of herbal tea.
• Expose yourself to light as soon as you wake up.
• Sleep in a cool, dark room.
• Don’t use electronics in your bedroom.
• Write all of your worry thoughts on a piece of paper before bed so that if you wake up in the night, you can tell your mind you don't need to worry because the thoughts are captured on paper and will be waiting for you to tackle in the morning.

Regular programs/activities at school:

Wellbeing Wednesday

Every Wednesday lunchtime in the Wellbeing space (unless otherwise specified on Compass), we invite all students to join the team alongside the Wellbeing Captains to spend time doing activities that promote healthy relationships with themselves and peers. Often the space is open to just chat and share lunch together, other times we will run a structured activity. Some examples of these activities include: watercolouring, making stress balls, Just Dance, baking and more. 

Breakfast Club

Every Friday morning in the Food Tech room from 8:15 – 8:45am we serve toast, cereal, hot Milo and a rotating roster of additional hot food for anyone who is at school early and wanting to fuel up for the day ahead. This is available for all students and staff and would not happen without the support of Foodbank and the Food Tech team who generously share their time, space and cooking skills with us! See you there 😊

Peaceful Teens

In Term 2, the Wellbeing Team facilitated our first Peaceful Teens program! Peaceful Teens is a Mindfulness and Positive Psychology based program to reduce anxiety and stress and increase resilience. The program gives students the skills, practice and support to utilise coping strategies. The students who attended Peaceful Teens this term showed active participation, reflection and were always willing to step outside of their comfort zone to learn about themselves. 

We look forward to supporting our new group of students attending the program next term. 

Community programs:

headspace ‘Partners in Parenting’ Program

In partnership with Monash University, headspace is offering an evidence-based online parenting program designed to help parents and carers build skills and confidence in supporting their high school-aged young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Partners in Parenting also covers more common parenting challenges, such as communication, managing strong emotions, boundaries, conflicts and staying involved in your high school-aged young person’s life while they navigate their independence.  

There are 10 interactive online modules to explore, you can complete them in any order and at your own time and pace. Each one will only take around 15 to 25 minutes to complete. As well as the modules, there are optional reflection questions which can help to recommend specific modules for you.

Follow this link to sign up:

https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/partners-in-parenting/ 

Embracing Well-Being

A program for parents who want to not only survive their parenting journey but to thrive as well –whatever the circumstance! Explore ways of caring for different aspects of our health and well-being, such as our mental, physical, social and emotional health. Includes workshops, discussion, meditation, mindfulness, relaxation and other fun activities.

When: Every Thursday during school terms, 9.30am – 11.30am

Where: healthAbility  - 43 Carrington Road, Box Hill

Cost: $5 per session 

Bookings not required - No commitment to come each week, just come along!

View the flyer for more information or email Joan.Lauricella@healthability.org.au 

Eastern Diversity Group (EDG) is a weekly social group for LGBTQIA+ folks aged 15 to 25 who live, learn or work in the city of Whitehorse. EDG is the safe place to meet people, make some friends, and get free snacks!

When: Thursdays during school terms, 3pm – 4.45pm

Where: Short walk from Box Hill Train Station 

Cost: Free

Bookings required

View the flyer for more information or contact us on 9890 2673.

Ella Cogger 

College Counsellor