Wellbeing News - National Multicultural Mental Health Month 2023

Meet the team 

The wellbeing team comprises of Celine Tsang, (Student Wellbeing Leader/ Counsellor), Fosia Mohamud (Mental Health Practitioner) and Madeleine Mitchell (Student counsellor-specialises in Arts Therapy). Maddie joined the team following successful completion of her student placement with us in term three.  

My name is Celine. I joined the WHSC Wellbeing team at the start of Term 3 in 2022 as Counsellor and have stepped into the wellbeing leader role. I have a Masters in Counselling with Victoria University, and am a registered counsellor with the Australian Counsellor Association. I have worked with several schools and assisted students with their mental health. My favourite color this year is grey-blue, I speak English, Mandarin and Cantonese, I still love spicy food, I still love dogs. Come say hi. 

I believe in autonomy, honesty, and non-judgment. We offer a safe space for students to explore their emotions and vulnerability. All feelings are acceptable, and there is no such thing as “you shouldn’t feel that way”, but rather what you want to do about it. Organise yourself a time with us to see what strategies work for you the best 😊 

My name is Fosia. I Joined the WHSC team at the end of term three in 2021 as the Mental Health Practitioner (MHP). I am a qualified Social Worker (completed Masters of Social Work at La Trobe University) and have worked in various settings over the last 10 years in the Health and Public Service Sectors.  

I prefer tea (with ginger) over coffee and love anything salted caramel. I’m enjoying working at WHSC in a role that focuses on mental health in the school setting, where early intervention can be facilitated. I strongly believe everyone has the key to good mental health; sometimes, we just need a guiding hand to access that key.  

In addition to providing counselling and support to students, I also oversee wellbeing initiatives and targeted programs at the school. We encourage students and staff to be involved in mental health awareness as a whole school approach. Students and staff are welcome to reach out to me to find out how they can be involved.  

My name is Maddie and I have had the privilege of being a part of the WHSC Wellbeing team completing my final placement in term three. I am excited to have been offered the role of student counsellor to continue my work with students. I am a creative Arts Therapist who works in a multi-modal, client-centered way. During this time, I have worked with a number of students facilitating both counselling and Arts Therapy sessions.    

As an Arts Therapist, I use art as a way for students to express emotions and communicate without words. Arts Therapy is process-based and doesn’t require any skills or experience in visual art, it’s about having space to play and express yourself!   

I have a beautiful cat that I talk about all the time, I love reading and being in nature.    

To book in a session just fill in the Wellbeing student referral form below! 

Wellbeing Space and Referral Process 

We have revamped the wellbeing space and our new location is between the canteen and staff room. All students and staff are welcome.

Parents can contact the Learning and Wellbeing Leader (previously known as the Year Level Coordinators) to discuss any wellbeing concerns and the referral process.  

As a first point of contact, students are encouraged to raise any wellbeing concerns with their teachers and the Learning and Wellbeing Leaders for referral. Students can also self-refer for wellbeing supports via a student referral form (see below link). Referral forms can also be accessed via the wellbeing office, which is open to all students. Wellbeing staff will be in touch with students as soon as possible.  

We encourage all parents and students to flag any wellbeing concerns early, so we can provide early intervention. Counselling sessions are confidential between students and the wellbeing team; unless there are any safety risks identified.  

Wellbeing Referral form: J:\Wellbeing\Templates\WHSC Wellbeing Referral Form.docx 

If you would like any information regarding mental health supports/ mental health themes covered in the school newsletter, please get in touch with our Mental Health Practitioner-Fosia (fosia.mohamud@education.vic.gov.au)  

National Multicultural Mental Health Month (October) 2023 

1st - 31st October 2023 | Nationwide 

Join the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) in celebrating National Multicultural Mental Health Month 2023! Their premier awareness campaign is all about promoting mental health within culturally diverse communities. This year, they are putting the spotlight on multiculturalism with the theme 'Celebrating Diversity, Healing Together.' Join this month-long event dedicated to advocating for mental health, raising awareness, and standing in solidarity with multicultural communities.  

Wellbeing Strategies to Help you Prepare for your Exams 

In term four, students, especially those in VCE undertaking units 3&4, face heightened stress as they approach final exams. It's crucial to emphasise that while exams are a vital part of their educational milestone, it is just one step of their journey. Students should stay focused and positive, but most importantly, prioritize their mental health and well-being. With determination, effective strategies, and a balanced approach, they can excel in exams and set the foundation for a promising future. Self-care is the key to success, ensuring both academic achievement and overall well-being.  

Below are some strategies to help you prioritise self- care:

Study Strategies: 

• Effective Time Management: Create a study schedule that allocates specific time blocks for each subject. Prioritise your most challenging subjects during your peak hours of concentration (generally early mornings are the best time for concentration, however, it's not one size fits all. Find out what works for you). 
• Active Learning: Instead of passively reading your notes, engage in active learning techniques like summarising, teaching concepts to others, or doing practice exams. 
• Use Technology Wisely: Leverage digital resources such as educational websites, online tutorials, and apps to enhance your understanding of complex topics. 
• Mind Mapping: Consider using mind maps to visually organise information and make connections between concepts. 

Time Management: 

• Prioritise Tasks: Identify your most important study tasks and allocate time accordingly. Don't procrastinate or leave everything until the last minute. 
• Mind Breaks and Rewards: Take short, regular breaks to recharge your mind. Reward yourself after completing a task or achieving a study milestone. 
• Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one subject or task at a time to maximize your productivity and retention of information. 

Exam Preparation: 

• Practice Past Papers: Familiarise yourself with the exam format by practicing past papers. This helps you understand the question style and timing. 
• Study Groups: Collaborate with classmates for group study sessions where you can discuss topics and quiz each other. 
• Healthy Sleep: Ensure you get enough sleep, especially during the days leading up to exams. A well-rested mind is more effective at retaining information. 

Stress Management: 

• Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves during stressful moments. 
• Regular Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your routine to reduce stress and boost your mood. 
• Seek Support: Talk to friends and family, or reach out to wellbeing at school if you're feeling overwhelmed. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed. 

Self-Care: 

• Balanced Diet: Eat nutritious meals that fuel your body and brain. Avoid excessive caffeine and junk food. 
• Hobbies and Interests: Make time for activities you enjoy to relax and de-stress. 
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and manage anxiety. 

Celebrating Achievements: 

• Acknowledge Small Wins: Celebrate your successes, whether they are big or small. Reward yourself for completing a challenging assignment or achieving a high practice test score. 
• Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Recognize your efforts and progress. 

Looking Ahead: 

• Maintain Perspective: Remember that one bad grade or setback doesn't define your worth or future success. 
• Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for yourself and learn from your mistakes. Use them as opportunities for growth. 

External supports you can access: 

Headspace: 24/7 phone counselling service for 12 to 25 year old’s.  

P: 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au   

E-Headspace: 24/7 online counselling service for 12 to 25-year old’s.  

www.eheadspace.org.au   

Beyondblue: 24-hour Phone and online counselling for mental health.  

P: 1300 22 46 36 www.beyondblue.org.au  

Beyondblue also have a series of podcasts on various topics.    

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/not-alone  

Lifeline: 24-hour phone crisis support and suicide prevention services.  

P: 131 114 www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/online-services/crisis-chat  

Kids Help Line: 24/7 free phone and online counselling for 13 to 25-year old’s.  

P: 1800 55 1800 www.kidshelpline.com.au