Health and Wellbeing Promotion

WELLBEING TEAM TERM 2 2024

Wellbeing Team consists of: Wellbeing Coordinator, Student Counsellor, School Nurse (2 days focused on Health promotion and sexual health) Defence School Mentor/Chaplain, and 3 x youth worker counsellors. Our DSM Defence School Mentor also offers extra wellbeing support for students of our ADF families who attend the school.

I AM MINDFUL

This term we have been excited to roll out a new program named I am Mindful. The students learned through this evidence-based program that they can change the way they feel using their senses. Each student received a I am Mindful toolkit which they were very excited to keep.

There were 4 X 1hour sessions in which the students learned how to elevate their mood, alertness, positive feelings and self-soothe. They also learned how to process and cope with distress. The students used different coping tools, exercises and there was rigorous discussion as well as practical teaching and practice each week. The students were able to add some of their own items to their coping bags and then share their experiences with each other each week.

Testimonies from the students were incredibly positive and we also had a zoom session for their parents. We are very thankful to School Focused Youth Services for providing the funding so that we could provide this program to some of our students. 

HOW IS YOUR BASE?

This year as a school we continue to focus on BASE and student’s own self-care. It is a simple example of how adjusting routines can improve their mental health. Our whole school approach to wellbeing encourages all our students and their families to consider their BASE.

It is well documented that improving nutrition, sleep quality and activity, significantly impacts our mental health in a positive way that sets us up for success. As many of our young people are working out their self-identity and who they want to be in the world, we encourage them to consider their values and what is important to them as they continue their journey from childhood into young adult lives. Being authentic and having a strong sense of self is an important part of becoming a successful adult. 

Base is the school acronym for the following: 

Term two has been a very busy term and wellbeing would like to wish all our families a safe and happy winter break.  We look forward to seeing you all again in Term 3. Should you require support during the holidays please see below helpful numbers for your information. 

Agencies that can be contacted for help:

eheadspace

1800 650 890 eheadspace.org.au

Minus 18

LGBTQIA+ Champions for youth support for students and parents. www.minus18.org.au

Kids Helpline

1800 55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au

Lifeline

13 11 14 lifeline.org.au

In Emergency dial: 000 

Local crisis services: Western Port Community Support 03 59792762 (Laura/Georgia)

HOLIDAY DROP IN - SHED 11 HASTINGS

10-17 year olds can drop in to Shed 11 youth hub between 12.30-5.30pm weekdays during the school holidays. 

Young people can choose what they want to do: hang out with friends, arts and crafts, gaming, making meals, chats, puzzles and games, sport and more!

Parents and carers should know our friendly youth workers are trained in child safety, youth work and mental health first aid. We are not after school care. Youth workers provide partial supervision, and we allow young people to come and go from the hubs. We encourage parents to set expectations with their children around this.

We ensure young people’s safety by requiring all carers to register their children’s details with us.