Student Wellbeing

Thunderstorm asthma - be prepared this pollen season

Grass pollen season, which typically runs from October to December each year in Victoria, brings an increase in asthma and hay fever symptoms. It also increases the risk of thunderstorm asthma. For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening.

Pakenham Secondary College will implement a range of measures to keep our school community safe as the risk of thunderstorm asthma increases.

Many of our staff are trained in asthma first aid, and we will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings, and, where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk.

During the season, there are some things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and your family:

If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating your asthma action plan. Taking an asthma preventer properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.
If your child has hay fever, see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer. These are available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
If your child has hay fever and experiences wheezing and coughing, it is important to make sure they don’t also have asthma. Speak to your doctor about an asthma action plan.
Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October to December, especially during the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to ‘recirculate’.

Protect yourself this pollen season – managing asthma and allergies matters.

Find out more

For more information, speak to your doctor. You can also visit the Better Health Channel website.

October is Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month and it is a chance for us all to come together to focus on mental health, learn about stigma, and create safe, caring communities. It also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of good mental health in our everyday lives and encourages help seeking behaviours when needed.

Here are 10 key activities that assist in making life more fulfilling (click on each image to find out more):

Year 7 Immunisation Catch Up Session at Bunjil Place on Saturday 28th October

Further to our notifications on Compass and Social Media this week, due to very low consent card returns, Cardinia Council cancelled the scheduled Year 7 Immunisation Catch Up Session on 26th October.

They wanted to invite parents/carers to bring their children to a Special School Program which will be held at Bunjil Place on Saturday, 28th October, 2023.

Please visit this link to find out more.

If you cannot make the event on the 28th, October, Cardinia Council have advised us that you can attend any of their scheduled immunisation sessions as a 'walk in'. Please visit this link to view their schedule.

Become a Foster Carer

Post Covid Parent Support Group

Support Services

If you feel like you could do with the support of a professional, help is always available.

MyPlace - Cardinia - 1800 496 884
Youth Counselling and Support Service - Casey - 9792 7279
Coronavirus Health Information Line · 1800 020 080 · Call if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
LifeLine - 13 11 14 - Provides counselling, information and referrals for people experiencing a personal crisis. Click here for the link.
Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - Provides advice and support for people experiencing depression and anxiety. Click here for the link
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 - Provides free counselling for anyone (15 years+) who is suicidal or affected by suicide.
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 - Provides free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling services specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. Click here for the link.
E-HeadSpace - Provides free online or telephone support with a clinician via an online chat. This service is available for 12–25-year-olds, Click here for the link.
Reachout - Click here for the link.