Student Wellbeing
Spotlight on School Clubs: Rainbow Hive and Choir
At Aberfoyle Park High School, School Clubs play a vital role in creating vibrant and supportive spaces for our students. Participation in school clubs helps students build friendships, develop new skills and foster a sense of belonging and community.
This spotlight features two outstanding clubs: Rainbow Hive and Choir.
Rainbow Hive offers a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ students and their allies to connect, build friendships and develop confidence. The club encourages creativity and mindfulness through activities such as colouring, crafts, and art projects.
This term, the group has been designing and painting a banner that celebrates diversity and inclusion, a project that brings students together and promotes acceptance across our school.
The finished banner will be proudly displayed at events like Wear It Purple Day, Sports Day, and RUOK? Day, highlighting the importance of visibility and belonging.
Choir welcomes all students interested in music, meeting on Wednesdays, 3:30–4:15pm in the music room. Choir provides a supportive environment for students to explore a range of musical styles, from jazz and musical theatre to pop. After a successful concert at the end of term 2, the choir is now preparing for the APHS Music Showcase in term 3.
Choir is a fantastic way for students to develop musical skills and confidence, while enjoying the camaraderie of working towards performances together.
Getting involved in school clubs enriches students’ experiences, builds resilience, and helps them discover talents and passions they may not have realised they had. Whether you’re interested in creative arts, music, or connecting with others, our clubs are open and welcoming to all.
If you would like to join Rainbow Hive or Choir, come along and enjoy the many benefits of being part of our school community. Please see the poster below for a full list of current clubs running in terms 2 and 3.
Current list of School Clubs for term 3 and 4
Year 10 students create inspiring Stop Motion Animations.
Our Year 10 Learning 4 Life students have been hard at work exploring personal development and well-being through creative expression! As part of their projects, they have created engaging Stop Motion animations that highlight important themes related to personal development and wellbeing.
Some standout animations, crafted by Caitlyn and Chelsea and another by Giselle focuses on the values of teamwork and helping others. Their creative approach not only showcases their artistic skills but also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and support of their peers.
These projects provide a fantastic opportunity for our students to reflect on their own well-being while learning to express their thoughts and feelings in innovative ways. We encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate their hard work and creativity!
Cailtyn and Chelsea's animation
Article by Jules Hannaford | Wellbeing Leader
Students smash Push-Up Challenge goal while raising mental health awareness
Students at Aberfoyle Park High School went above and beyond in this year’s Push-Up Challenge, completing an impressive total of 5,160 push-ups—well beyond their original target of 3,307.
The initiative was dedicated to raising mental health awareness and fostering a supportive environment, with students participating during recess twice a week.
Special congratulations are extended to our division winners:
- Most Improved: Siri B – 230 push-ups
- Year 7 Winner: Elijah S – 630 push-ups
- Year 8 Winner: Campbell S – 150 push-ups
- Year 9 Winner: Jordan M – 1,050 push-ups
Thank you to every student who participated, and to Brandon (ASETO), Jordyn (CPW), and Lucy (Social Worker) for their encouragement and support throughout the challenge.
This event demonstrated how teamwork, commitment, and a positive attitude can make a genuine difference in supporting mental health in our school community. Well done to everyone involved.
Article by Alan Peat | Wellbeing Leader
Supporting Families: The eSafety Commissioner’s Resources for Parents and Carers
Keeping children and young people safe online is a growing concern for many families in today’s digital world.
The eSafety Commissioner’s website for parents and carers is a national resource dedicated to empowering families to understand and respond to online challenges.
Key Topics Covered
The eSafety Commissioner’s parent portal provides guidance on a wide range of online safety issues, including:
- Online Abuse and Cyberbullying: Recognising, preventing, and reporting online abuse, and supporting children who experience it.
- Social Media and Online Games: Managing privacy settings, safe social networking, and fostering respectful online behaviour.
- Parental Controls: Advice on setting up and using parental controls on various devices and platforms.
- Screen Time: Strategies for setting healthy boundaries around technology use.
- Image-Based Abuse: Steps to take if intimate images are shared without consent.
- Protecting Personal Information: Teaching children and teens how to guard their privacy online.
How the website can help
The information and resources provided by the eSafety Commissioner are designed for all levels of digital knowledge, offering:
- Step-by-step guides and checklists for parents and carers.
- Conversation starters to help families talk about difficult online topics.
- Reporting tools for serious online harm or suspicious behaviour.
- Access to webinars and educational videos created by experts.
- Links to external support services when additional help is needed.
By accessing these resources, parents and carers gain confidence and practical advice to support their children’s digital wellbeing. The site helps families build digital literacy, keep up-to-date with emerging online trends, and know when and how to seek further assistance if necessary.
For more information and free tools, visit the eSafety Commissioner’s parent portal.
End of Term Breakfast – The Breakfast Club
Despite the heavy rain, end of Term 2 Breakfast Club was a resounding success. Thanks to the efforts of Jordyn, our Pastoral Care Worker, and the Student Representative Council (SRC), students enjoyed a warm and welcoming environment complete with free bacon and egg sandwiches and refreshing milos.
Music played in the background, contributing to the friendly and lively atmosphere as students gathered to share breakfast and conversation. It was fantastic to see so many students coming together to celebrate the end of term over a hearty meal.
The event not only provided a delicious breakfast but also created an opportunity for students to relax, connect, and look forward to the holidays ahead. Well done to everyone involved in organising and supporting this wonderful event.
Article by Jules Hannaford | Wellbeing Leader
NAIDOC Week Celebrations
This past week, our school proudly celebrated NAIDOC Week, a significant time to recognise and honor the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Throughout the week, students participated in engaging activities that fostered understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture.
The celebrations began with an informative presentation about the history of NAIDOC Week, complemented by a thought-provoking video from the Knowledge Project that explored the rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture. These sessions were held in Care Groups throughout the week, providing students with valuable insights into the significance of this important event.
On Thursday at lunchtime, the excitement continued with a vibrant celebration featuring various creative activities. Under the guidance of our Aboriginal Education Worker, Brandon, students enjoyed rock painting, which allowed them to express their creativity while learning about cultural symbolism.
Jewellery making, mindful coloring and jigsaw puzzles provided a serene atmosphere for relaxation and reflection, while stickers, temporary tattoos and face painting added a festive touch to the occasion.
Our Cultural Connections group also contributed to the celebration by baking delicious cakes in the colors of the Aboriginal flag, further enriching the experience for all participants. Thanks to the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the Cultural Connections team for organising this event.
Overall, NAIDOC Week was a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with and celebrate Aboriginal culture, strengthening our community's respect and understanding of Indigenous heritage. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this week a success.
Article by Jules Hannaford | Wellbeing Leader