Koonung Secondary College Newsletter

Wellbeing update

Wellbeing @ KSC

Peaceful Teens

Our first group of students participating in ‘Peaceful Teens’ began this term. This small group runs for 8 weeks of the term. Through Mindfulness and Positive Psychology strategies, 'Peaceful Teens' helps teenagers to navigate through their difficulties in a supportive group environment. This includes exploring a deeper understanding and application of Mindfulness, grounding techniques, controlling the controllables, riding the waves of strong emotions, adaptive coping strategies, managing unhelpful thinking and self-care. Our Mental Health Practioner, Emily Ridgwell, is leading this group and is already seeing some of the positive impact this is having on the group members.

 

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 😊

 

Reach

Earlier this term, REACH was invited to facilitate workshops for our Year 7 cohort. The focus of these workshops was to encourage young people to share different parts of who they are and what’s important to them, so they build more understanding and empathy for each other. It was fantastic to observe our Year 7’s step outside of their comfort zones to participate in various activities to learn more about each other and build connections with one another. 

 

National Reconciliation Week - 27 May – 3 June

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.

Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people and are with us.

Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.

Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.  

Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.

 

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/ 

 

Talking Teens parenting program

Parentzone is running their ‘Talking Teens’ online program for parents again this term.

Join this 6-week evidence-informed parenting program to: 

  • Learn about adolescent development and why teens behave like they do. 
  • Explore ways to deal with anger and anxiety - both yours and theirs. 
  • Discover strategies to deal with conflict and power struggles in your family.
  • Focus on ways to improve your relationship with your young person.

 

When: Tuesday (6 evening sessions) Free for parents and carers living in Melbourne's Eastern Region. 

Enquiries: sharon.muir@anglicarevic.org.au 

Please Note: Talking Teens is an interactive program. You will need a device with video and audio in order to participate.

 

Ella Cogger 

College Counsellor