Wellbeing Team

Mr Michael Alexis– Director of Student Services
Ms Joyce Harris– School Chaplain (SU Victoria)
Ms Penny Hsiao– Adolescent Health Promotion Nurse (DET)
Ms Lan Liu – Master of Social Work Student

Headspace in schools

Year 12 can be a stressful time—juggling school responsibilities with home life, work and friends can become unbearable.

During July, Headspace in Schools presented to Year 12 students. This was followed with another presentation on August 7 geared specifically to our International Students.

The focus for both groups was on mental health literacy, how to support a friend if worried about them and keeping a healthy headspace. The discussion was also around the services available and how these may be accessed.

Phoebe from Headspace gave our year 12 students strategies and a better understanding of how mental health issues affect young people.

The presentation was engaging with interactive segments challenging our students and allowing them to increase their knowledge by drawing on existing ideas.

Our caring staff at South Oakleigh are available to help all students in any area of their life. Sometimes, all you need is a conversation.

These initiatives are designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of school communities through evidence-based mental health promotion, prevention, early intervention and postvention services. HEADSPACE

www.headspace.org.au/‎

For 24-hour assistance contact a Headspace related service:

Call Lifeline
Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800
13 11 14

C.O.R.E. program

Throughout Term 2 and continuing into Term 3, the Wellbeing Team partnered with TESSA Inc. (www.tessainc.org.au) to run separate focus groups for boys and girls. The program is designed to equip our students with skills and knowledge to enable them to navigate challenges they may face in life. The program aims to tech self-discipline and self-control, better decision making and improved self-esteem through physical exercise, strength and resistance training, and mindfulness.

Brainstorm Productions

Years 7 to 10 students participated in compulsory incursions exploring a range of issues run by Brainstorm Productions. This theatre company aims to reduce incidents of bullying in schools and improve student behaviour and wellbeing.

Years 7 and 8

The Sticks & Stones program explores gender stereotypes and negative patterns of behaviour that can develop through inappropriate modelling from peers, family members, TV, the internet and video games. It examines the link between hormones, the fight/flight response, aggression and violence.

This hard-hitting narrative is punctuated with circus skills to demonstrate co-operation and strategies for improving self-control through breath, focus, and channeling energy into positive pursuits.

The Sticks and Stones program covered:

Bullying Resilience Respectful Relationships

Domestic Violence

Cyber BullyingConflict ResolutionConsequences and the LawAssertiveness

EmpathySexual HarassmentImage Based AbuseCommunication Skills

Years 9 and 10

The Flipside is an anti-bullying program that explores responsible and ethical use of technology for improving student wellbeing and mental health.

The performance highlights the importance of personal responsibility, empathy and values in the digital world. When people post words or images, how will they be received? What will be the consequences?

The Flipside challenges students' perspectives on what's humorous, toxic, private, humiliating, informative, safe or appropriate online. The performance encourages them to think critically about their online values and behaviour and provides strategies for respectful communication.

The Flipside program covered:

Cyber Bullying Bullying Social Media Values

Ethical Online BehaviourBystandersEmpathyResponsible Use of Technology

Digital CitizenshipImpulse ControlDigital FootprintCyber Safety

Online Bookings for Students

A reminder to Students that you can book appointments to see the Wellbeing team online through COMPASS.

Wellfest Week

Wellfest week is the first week of September 2 - 6 and there there will be a range of activities throughout the week.

Mr Michael Alexis

Director of Student Services

MAD Camp

Students are invited to:

MAKE A DIFFERENCE (MAD) camp

for Secondary School Students

‘DIAMONDS in the ROUGH’ is the 2019 camp theme.

What is MAD camp?

MAD (Make A Difference) Camp is for young people keen to help each other change the world.

Join with others like you from around Victoria to learn how to be a culture-shaper at school,

at home, and around your community.

Secondary MAD Camp is for Year 7-12 students, and held at Camp Coolamatong, Banksia Peninisula during

1-4 October 2019 (in school holidays). Campers: $210

MAD camp provides an opportunity to GROW as an agent of positive change…right where you are.

For more information see the Wellbeing team.

Ms Joyce Harris

College Chaplain

Important Dates

Dates to Remember