Wellbeing News
A message from KK - Mental Health Practitioner
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
As we navigate through the start of the academic year, we begin fostering discussions around good mental health and wellbeing. This newsletter we have attached a fact sheet on two different mental health and wellbeing topics, Mindfulness and Sleep Hygiene (please see attached for both PDFs), and we would like to provide some further information regarding hygiene.
Mindfulness is a practice that encourages individuals to be present in the moment without judgment, has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing mental wellbeing. By incorporating mindfulness exercises into daily routines, we equip people with invaluable skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve focus and concentration. Whether it's a brief breathing exercise before an exam or a mindfulness session after school, these practices empower students to cultivate self-awareness and resilience in the face of challenges.
Additionally, the importance of sleep hygiene cannot be overstated in supporting students' mental health. Adequate sleep is essential for cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing. Yet, many students struggle with sleep deprivation due to factors such as academic pressures, extracurricular activities, and screen time. As a school community, we recognize the critical role that sleep plays in promoting mental health. Therefore, we encourage students to prioritize sleep by establishing consistent bedtime routines, limiting screen exposure before bed, and creating a conducive sleep environment.
On the topic of hygiene, Dental care for teenagers | Raising Children Network A gentle reminder that teenagers will avoid dental care, but it remains crucial to brush twice a day to prevent plaque and decay build up. Water after sugary drinks also helps to prevent cavities. Please see ipc health services to access dental care in your area: Dental services (ipchealth.com.au) free to low-cost dental care, locally.
Another fact sheet regarding Personal hygiene for pre-teens & teens | Raising Children Network leads us to give a gentle reminder that if families are struggling to afford hygiene products reach out to a member of the school wellbeing team or see the Laverton Community Integrated Services (lcis.org.au) at the Laverton community hub for relief with food and hygiene products. Female menstruation products are available at school, please don’t hesitate to ask at reception if needed.
We also consider the importance of social connection, and Hobson’s Bay Youth Services have some great Young People Programs up and running this month. Often more will be scheduled for the school holidays too. Or for any young people who might be interested in live music or local cultural events, check out Westside FReeZA - Hobsons Bay .
Warm regards,
Altona College Wellbeing Team.
