Dr Justin Coulson Parent Forum

A full recording from Dr Justin Coulson's presentation from last year is available via the link below. All families were encouraged to set aside some time to watch this in readiness for the upcoming holiday break.

As a friend of the Auburn South community (Justin ran a parent session for our school in 2023), Justin has generously donated his time to support our school.

Justin explained how to develop a school holiday health and wellbeing plan for you and your family and why it's important. He took time to unpack how to flourish even if you or your children are in the midst of mental health challenges and which small shifts you can make now that will have a massive impact on your mental health.

Dr Rob Gordon Parent Forum

An audio recording was taken from last year's parent session with Dr Rob Gordon.

Dr Rob Gordon (OAM) is a clinical psychologist and an expert consultant regarding traumatic events.

In this parent session, Rob discussed the following:

How to support children and families after a traumatic event.
Unpack what may surface in school and family life
How to support adults to best support your child

Supporting Families with Grief and Loss Webinar

You can still access the webinar via the following link:

The resources below may also be useful as you navigate how to best support your family through these difficult times:

eheadspace – a national online or phone mental health support service for young people
Parentline – for confidential and anonymous support for parents
Kids Helpline – confidential and anonymous online and phone counselling for people

TAC Advice for ASPS Community

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) has also established a special link for our school to make the claims process as easy as possible. Additional details regarding the TAC are included as an attachment to this email.

Auburn South PS TAC Claims Information

If you make a claim via the TAC, you can use the following police report number: T20240027493

Accessing Additional Student Support

As we have learnt via the Headspace and Dr Rob Gordon presentations, we all respond to traumatic events differently and at different times. Families can continue to reach out to the school for support via email or by contacting the school office. The school, with the support of the Department of Education and Headspace, has established relationships with local practitioners who are on stanbdby and ready to provide support when needed.

Mental Health Support Resources & Advice for Parents

As parents and carers we can:

Provide safe opportunities and spaces for talking, listening, and expression of feelings
Regularly remind children who to reach out to if they become worried or need help
Acknowledge feelings and worries if they come up and don’t dismiss them
Adjust activities or tasks if needed and check in regularly
Do activities that are fun and create connection between adult and child
Remind children they can talk whenever they are ready and that the door to talking is always open
Watch out for signs of distress and trust your gut if you become worried about your child

LOCAL SUPPORT

Local, state, and national services are available during school holidays

Visit your GP
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs are available to Victorians of all ages who have any mental health or wellbeing concerns
Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online
Grief line 1300 845 745 or visit https://griefline.org.au/
Eheadspace Available 9am-1am AEDT every day 1800 650 890
Lifeline: Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
Mental Health and Wellbeing HUBS – 1300 375 330 (this service can offer over the phone support and refer to the closest HUB service)

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Important Dates