Wellbeing Update
INCLUSIVENESS AT LOWANNA COLLEGE
OUR LGBTIQA+ COMMUNITY
Standout Group
The Standout Group is held on Mondays at lunch time, alternating weeks for Junior (7-8) and Senior (9-12) groups. LGBTQIA+ and ally’s are welcome. See Naomi, our College Nurse, in the Wellbeing Office, for more information.
GENERAL WELLBEING INFORMATION
GOODBYE FOR NOW FROM PAUL
I am writing to share that I will be taking 12 months leave from my role as Wellbeing Leader as I step into an exciting new professional opportunity.
While I am looking forward to this next chapter, it is not an easy decision to step away from a community that means so much to me. Supporting the wellbeing of our students and working alongside such dedicated staff and families has been a privilege and a highlight of my career.
I have worked closely with the leadership team to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care for our students. Our commitment to fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive environment will remain at the heart of everything we do.
I take this opportunity to thank my team for their unwavering support and commitment to the wellbeing of all our students and to our families, some who I have worked with very closely, to support their children.
In my new role as Victorian Social Work Team Leader & Trainer for Youth Insearch, I look forward to staying connected to Lowanna in that role.
SUN PROTECTION
Sun protection is important. Encouraging and reminding students to wear sun-protective clothing, hats, close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses and to wear and reapply sunscreen are steps they can take to protect themselves at school.
(PDF link: Sun and UV Protection: Guidance | VIC.GOV.AU | Policy and Advisory Library)
Download the SunSmart UV app here:
FOOD AND MOOD
Healthy eating can help to improve your mood. Try to eat a variety of foods such as colourful fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, yogurt and fish. Find more information via the below link: headspace_eat-well_Fact-Sheet_FA01_DIGI.pdf
Headspace has loads of information and resources for youth looking to improve mental health. Visit headspace.org.au or drop into the Headspace Office in Morwell.
Keep hydrated by drinking water. Energy drinks are often consumed by young people but they can have damaging effects. Headaches, insomnia, tiredness, irritability, stomach aches and hyperactivity are just some of the effects that have been linked to young people who consume energy drinks
(Energy drinks—Do they really give you wings? - Alcohol and Drug Foundation).
Try to limit the amount of energy drinks you consume.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Sunday March 8th is International Women’s Day. Held every year for over 100 years, this day brings global attention to women’s achievements, progress and barriers.
“Balance the Scales” is the official theme for International Women’s Day 2026, highlighting the urgent need to ensure fair, inclusive and accessible justice for every woman and girl.
WORLD ORAL HEALTH DAY – MARCH 20th
“A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life.”
Did you know the Victorian Government funds a free school dental program called Smile Squad? For more details about the program visit: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/smile-squad
Smile Squad isn’t visiting our school right now but you can still access this high-quality service, completely free of charge. You can visit Latrobe Community Health Service at their community dental clinic. Please contact the team at any time to book an appointment. Just let them know you would like to book a Smile Squad appointment. Contact the team at:
Latrobe Community Health Service
81/87 Buckley Street Morwell
1800 242 696
The Smile Squad look forward to seeing you soon.
LIVE 4 LIFE 2026 – MOVING FORWARD
In 2026, Lowanna College will continue to lead the important work around the Prevention of Youth Suicide facilitated through the Live 4 Life initiative. This will include more staff being trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Other staff who have previously completed this training will complete refresher courses and our Year 8 and 10 students will participate in the Teen Mental Health First Aid training.
We will hold special days to raise awareness for this important topic and others.
WELLBEING TEAM:
- Paul Fry – Wellbeing Leader / Social Worker
- Michael Naughton – Mental Health Practitioner / Social Worker
- Donna Garsia – Wellbeing Coordinator / Out of Home Care Support
- Larnia Sobott – Wellbeing Officer
- Glenda Noordam – Chaplain
- Naomi Mock – Secondary School Nurse
- Emily Vernon – Koorie Coordinator
- Chloe Hedges – Koorie Engagement Officer
EXTERNAL SUPPORTS ONSITE AT LOWANNA:
- Jacob Hardy – Youth Insearch Onsite Support
If you feel your child would benefit from support from any of our team, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to have a discussion with you about the supports we can provide or to discuss external supports available to young people and their families.
BREAKFAST CLUB
A reminder that Breakfast Club is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8.30am. We encourage students who have not had a bite to eat to come along and get some toast and a hot milo. A healthy breakfast is just the thing we need to help us start the day well. 😊
The Breakfast Club Team are also looking for anyone who would like to volunteer their time to help on the days we provide Breakfast Club. Please let the Wellbeing Team know if you’d like to help. We are also looking for donations of Milo and cheese. Any donations can be given to the General Office or the Wellbeing Team.
ADOLESCENT & FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SUPPORTS:
- HEADSPACE, Morwell – 5136 8300 OR 1800 650 890
- LIFELINE – 13 11 14
- LIFELINE TEXT – 0477 131 114 (6pm to midnight)
- KIDS HELPLINE – 1800 551 800
- THE ORANGE DOOR – 1800 319 354
- 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service)
Paul & the Wellbeing Team 😊