Lowanna College

Wellbeing Update

Inclusiveness at Lowanna 

Our new college nurse, Naomi Mock, has started organising to meet with our students from the LGBTIQA+ community in Term 2 with meetings on Mondays from the 28th of April at lunchtime. Groups will be alternating between junior and senior students. These groups will be a space for students to feel safe coming together to talk about LGBTIQA+ topics and any concerns they might have. These groups will also welcome LGBTIQA+ allies to support our community.

 

Naomi is having conversations about inviting guest speakers to talk with students about LGBTIQA+ topics that come up in different areas of our community. 

 

We are currently negotiating support from Pride in Sport and Headspace to support and provide education.

General Wellbeing Information

Self-acceptance – Please refer to tip sheet

Self-acceptance is the awareness and understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses and feelings of satisfaction with ourselves, despite our flaws and past mistakes.

Self-acceptance.pdf

 

Why Self-Acceptance is Important: 

  • Improved Mental Health: Self-acceptance can lead to reduced anxiety, depression and stress. 
  • Enhanced Self-Esteem: It can build a foundation for positive self-esteem and a sense of self-worth. 
  • Stronger Relationships: Self-acceptance can help you form healthier and more fulfilling relationships. 
  • Increased Resilience: It can make you more resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks. 
  • Greater Life Satisfaction: Self-acceptance can lead to a greater sense of peace and happiness.

Live4Life 2025

   

   

 

On Monday the 12th of May, ALL Year 8 students will be participating in the Live 4 Life Major Launch. This will be held at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium in Traralgon. Parents of Year 8 students will notice an event that will require consent for the event. This consent can be given online. Please keep an eye out for this and provide consent at your earliest convenience. The launch will consist of a briefing to all students about Live 4 Life, a service expo where students will be able to learn about and speak to people from support services around the Latrobe Valley and they will hear from a guest speaker about Live 4 Life and the importance of this work.

 

Year 10 students will commence the Teen Mental Health First Aid Course early in Term 2. Staff are currently working through specific dates for this to occur.

 

Our Year 8 students have recently completed the Pre-Program Survey – this survey highlights student awareness of mental health and accessing support. Year 8 students will participate in the Teen Mental Health First Aid Course in Term 3 or 4.

 

The college look forward to engaging in this important work throughout 2025 and leading the way in the prevention of youth suicide.

 

Adolescent Mental Health 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

Parent Engagement

  

 

At Lowanna College we encourage parents and carer feedback. As the Wellbeing Leader, I also welcome feedback about the service we provide to your young people. This helps us to consider ideas and look for new ways of doing things, making sure that we keep the level of support we offer our students as high and inclusive as we can.

 

As parents and carers of our college, you play a key role in working with us to ensure your child has positive wellbeing experiences. We encourage you to reach out to the Wellbeing Team if you have concerns about your student’s mental health. We are here to support not only your student, but you as the key people in their lives. 

Blue Edge Program 2025

   

 

Blue Edge has been a great success this term, running over 8 weeks for 2 hours for the first time. Tom Kelly and Jacob Hardy have done a fantastic job supporting the Blue Edge team and supporting our students with participation in the many activities and conversations that have occurred. Our next Blue Edge Program will run in Semester 2.

 

Blue EDGE (Educate, Develop, Grow, Empower) is a well-established fitness based experiential learning program run by Blue Light Victoria in partnership with Victoria Police, combining physical training, personal growth and life skills. The program covers a range of topics including: 

  • Communication and Teamwork
  • Diversity
  • Healthy Decision Making
  • Mental Health & Wellbeing
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs
  • Safety in the Community

 

The program ends with a reflection about what the students have gained from participating.

 

The program also includes a breakfast each week with an opportunity for peer connection and some group activities.  

Breakfast Club 

 

A reminder that Breakfast Club is available Monday to Friday from 7.50am 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 with 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 Wellbeing. Thank you. 😊

 

Paul Fry

Wellbeing Leader