Student Welbeing

Tackling School Avoidance: Early Intervention Tips for Parents

School avoidance can be a significant challenge, but early intervention is key.  Here are some effective strategies to help your young person overcome this behaviour:

Open Communication: Start by having a calm, non-judgmental conversation with your child.  Understand their concerns or fears about school. Sometimes, bullying, academic pressure, or social anxieties are at the root of avoidance.

Establish a Routine: Consistent morning and evening routines can provide a sense of security. Ensure your child gets adequate sleep, a healthy breakfast, and leaves home with enough time to avoid the morning rush.

Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small victories, like getting out of bed on time or making it through a full day of school. Praise and rewards can motivate your child to face their fears.

Stay Connected with School: Regularly communicate with Eltham High teachers, Coordinators, and the Student Services team.  We can offer insights into your child's school experience and work with you to develop a plan to address the avoidance.

Professional Help: If the behaviour persists, consider seeking help from a child psychologist or therapist. They can work with your child to develop coping strategies and address underlying issues.

Early and proactive measures can make a significant difference in overcoming school avoidance. Your support and involvement are crucial in helping your child succeed and feel confident in their school environment.

References – For Interested Parents and Staff

1. Bardach, L., Oosterhoff, B., & Kuntz, S. (2019). Parenting behaviours and adolescents' school adjustment: Mediating effects of school connectedness and academic engagement. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(3), 293-301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.04.020
    
2. Collins, K., & Ryan, R. (2022). Implementing a gradual return to school protocol for students with school refusal behaviour. Journal of School Psychology, 90, 67-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2021.12.005
    
3. Fosco, G. M., & Feinberg, M. E. (2020). Positive parent-adolescent relationships and resilience to adolescent school avoidance behaviour. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 49(8), 1628-1641. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01229-6
    
4. Gonzalez, A., & Sellers, C. (2019). The impact of parent engagement on students' school avoidance behavior. Educational Psychology Review, 31(3), 789-814. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-019-09494-4
    
5. Kearney, C. A., & Albano, A. M. (2020). When children refuse school: Parent workbook. Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 51(1), 87-99. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-019-00933-3
    
6. Sullivan, K., & Villanti, A. C. (2020). Peer influence and adolescent school engagement: The role of peer support groups. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 49(10), 1985-1998. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-020-01256-3
    
7. Thompson, K., & Newton, R. (2018). Enhancing school attendance through positive reinforcement strategies: A review of evidence. Behavioural Disorders, 43(3), 164-176. https://doi.org/10.1177/0198742918776705

Upcoming EHS Events and Student Programs

Term 2 and Term 3 – Workshop: ‘Love Bites’ for Year 8’s and 10’s.

Love Bites is a Respectful Relationships Education Program for young people aged 15-17 years. It consists of two interactive workshops: one on Relationship Violence, and one on Sex and Relationships, followed by creative workshops and community campaigns.

The program emphasizes the importance of a whole-of-school commitment to respectful relationship education.  Love Bites aims to provide young people with a safe environment to examine, discuss and explore respectful relationships.  All Love Bites programming takes a strength-based approach and views young people as active participants who can make choices for themselves and their relationships when supported with information and opportunity for skill development.

Love Bites education is focused on three critical areas for learning:

Knowledge: Youth-led collaborative learning

Attitudes: Critical thinking and decision-making and

Behaviours: Problem solving and communication skills

The overall aims of the program are to equip young people with the knowledge needed to have respectful relationships, encourage, and develop their skills in critical thinking and assist them in being able to problem solve and communicate effectively.  When equipped in these areas, NAPCAN believes that young people can make the right choices for themselves and their relationships that are free from violence and abuse.

Workshop Details:

Year 10’s: 19 June and 27 June

Year 8’s: 25 July and 29 July

Term 3, Tuesday 16 July  – ‘SafeMinds at Home’ Parent and Carer Seminar

Join us on Tuesday 16 July for an invaluable opportunity at Eltham High School's SafeMinds information forum, in collaboration with iCYMHS - Austin Health, headspace Greensborough, and Nillumbik Youth.  This event is tailored for parents and carers like you who are eager to ensure the wellbeing of our young generation.  SafeMinds is not just another program; it's a lifeline designed to offer enhanced early intervention mental health support directly within our school community.  

With a focus on addressing common yet often overlooked challenges such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm, SafeMinds is one of Eltham High’s whole school wellbeing approaches.  We understand the importance of your involvement in your young person’s school life, which is why SafeMinds prioritises strengthening the connection between parents, carers, and our school community.  By attending, you'll gain insights into how you can play an active role in supporting your young person's mental health journey.  Moreover, SafeMinds is committed to establishing clear and efficient referral pathways between our school and community youth and mental health services.  This ensures that our students receive the timely and appropriate care they deserve, with seamless transitions from school to professional support.  For the attending parents and carers, you will have access to a targeted version of SafeMinds Online, empowering you with tools to navigate and support your young person’s wellbeing. 

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 16 July

Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Where: Performance Centre, Eltham High School

Audience: Parents and Carers

Registration: Please complete the online registration form: https://forms.office.com/r/UiLaVVKd0c?origin=lprLink

Key Contact: Madeline Gaitanis, madeline.gaitanis@education.vic.gov.au

MADELINE GAITANIS, Student Services Leader