News from the Deputy Principal

Out of the Office

For the next two weeks I will be away on long Service leave on a holiday with my family to Vanuatu, celebrating my Mum's birthday. 

If you have any concerns about PSGs or any other concerns or questions, I will still get emails, but may not be able to respond immediately to your requests.

If there is anything urgent, I ask you to speak with Rebecca Beveridge or Nick Boyhan in my absence.

PSG MEETINGS

PSG Meetings are now open to families with students currently on NCCD.  

An email has been sent to families with login instructions for booking times. 

Please follow the prompts for booking.

As some staff are at meetings, some days may not be applicable for some teachers. If this occurs, please contact me to make alternate arrangements.

kvranken@sjyarrajunction.catholic.edu.au

The dates for PSGs are:

Monday 23rd  March

Friday 27th March

Monday 30th March

Mental Health in Primary Schools Initiative

By 2026, every government and low-free non-government school in Victoria will receive MHiPS funding to employ a mental health and wellbeing leader (MHWL) to implement a whole-school approach to wellbeing. 

This includes: 

•    building the capacity of school staff, in particular classroom teachers, to identify and support students with mental health concerns in the classroom

•    supporting the school to create clear referral pathways internally (within school) and externally (to community services) for students identified as requiring further assessment and intervention

•    coordinating targeted mental health support for students by working with regional staff, school wellbeing and leadership teams, teachers, parents/carers and external agencies

•    advocating for student voice and agency in their wellbeing and mental health needs.

St Joseph's began the Mental Health in Primary Schools journey in 2025.

Last year, together with Rebecca, our Wellbeing leader,  our focus was on building the school community's mental health literacy, with fortnightly newsletter items focused on health and wellbeing tips, strategies, and supports to use at home.  As we are not qualified counsellors, unfortunately, we cannot counsel students; however, we can assist you in making connections with professionals in the community who can work with your children.

This week the focus in on the Mental Health Toolkit which is a free resources and guidance for parents and carers.

Mental health exists on a continuum

It can be helpful to think of mental health and mental ill-health as existing along a continuum.

We all move along the continuum as we face challenges and situations that test our capacity to cope and change our mental health. Our mental health can change slowly or quickly.

Most people will experience changes in their mental health at some point during their lifetime. Social, emotional and environmental factors all influence our position along the continuum. Learn more about the mental health continuum.

Even if someone isn’t experiencing mental ill-health, that doesn’t mean their mental health is flourishing. Alternatively, it is possible to be diagnosed with a mental illness and still feel well and function effectively in many aspects of life.

Supporting your child’s wellbeing at home

As parents and carers, you’re already doing lots of things to support your child’s mental health and wellbeing. You can continue to protect your child’s mental health and wellbeing by developing and promoting:

• healthy sleeping habits
• healthy eating habits
• physical activity
• strong and nurturing relationships
• positive self-talk and providing praise, encouragement
• mindfulness, kindness and gratitude
• social and emotional skills
• healthy online habits
• help seeking.

For a range of videos and articles backed by Australian experts on how to support your child’s mental health, visit Raising Children Network.

As always, If you have concerns about your child and your child's mental health, please connect in with your child's classroom teacher.

Discuss with them:

• your concerns for your child
• the strategies in place to support your child at school
• any professionals already working with your child
• any behaviours that might be evident at home and at school
• and if you require assistance to connect with a professional, if required.

As always, my door is open if you would like to come in and have a chat about any concerns you may have with your child/ren.