Wellbeing

Wellbeing Week | Meet the Team
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Celebrating Wellbeing Week 2025

This term we celebrated Wellbeing Week across Years 7–10, with each year level enjoying their own whole-day program focused on personal growth, connection, and community. The week was a fantastic success, filled with inspiring speakers, creative activities, and meaningful discussions that encouraged students to reflect on who they are, how they connect with others, and the positive impact they can make in their community.

Year 7 – 'Who Am I?'

Our Year 7 students explored themes of emotional awareness, identity, strengths, self-esteem, optimism, joy, and social connection. They were inspired by an engaging keynote presentation titled 'I BELONG' from Eric Agyeman, recipient of the 2022 African Australian Community Impact Award. Eric shared powerful messages about belonging, resilience, and self-worth, which students later explored further through a hands-on workshop with Eric designed to embed these learnings.

Year 8 – 'What Sort of Friend Am I?'

The Year 8s spent their Wellbeing Day reflecting on friendship, empathy, and personal strengths. Through a mix of interactive sessions, they explored what makes a good friend and how to navigate challenges in relationships. The highlight of the day was the 'Amazing Races' activity, which combined teamwork and fun, followed by the creation of anti-racism posters celebrating the wonderful cultural diversity of our school and wider community. The creativity and insight shown by our students were truly impressive.

Year 9 – 'Where Do I Fit In?'

For Year 9, the focus was on belonging – at home, at school, and in the wider community. Students took part in a powerful 'Mental Movies' workshop with Toolbox Education, learning how to recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and rewrite their internal narratives in positive, constructive ways. In the afternoon, students joined together for a Community Wellbeing Give Back Day in partnership with the Les Twentyman Foundation, proudly supporting their Back to School Program. Working collaboratively, students assembled 500 pencil cases filled with stationery items to be distributed to young people from underprivileged families across Melbourne. Their teamwork, generosity, and sense of purpose will certainly make a meaningful difference to the educational opportunities of so many other young people.

Year 10 – 'Safety: My Rights and Responsibilities'

Our Year 10 students focused on making safe, informed choices through a keynote presentation from Michael Raydan on Prevention, Education & Reintegration. This interactive session explored the consequences of risky behaviour and the importance of seeking support when faced with challenges. Students also participated in a Wellbeing-led workshop where they identified their rights and responsibilities at school, work, in public spaces, and at social events. Through creative role-plays of social scenarios – including a memorable 16th birthday party – they gained practical knowledge and confidence in navigating real-life situations. The day concluded with a fun and competitive 'Rights, Wrongs & Randoms' trivia session with the Wellbeing team.

Recess and Lunchtime Fun

Throughout the week, students also had the chance to enjoy a range of lunchtime and recess activities that brought plenty of laughter and friendly competition. Highlights included the 'Kick a Footy into a Bin' and 'Half-Court Basketball Shot' challenges – both with the prize of a Bluetooth speaker. Congratulations to Harvey G. (Year 8), who took out the footy challenge, and John I. (Year 10), who nailed the basketball shot!

Adding to the fun atmosphere, we had Dandee Donuts serving up delicious hot jam donuts, the Myuna Mobile Animal Ark bringing some furry friends to meet the students, and live music in the courtyard that created a vibrant, feel-good energy across the school.

Wellbeing Week 2025 was an incredible celebration of our students’ growth, compassion, and connection. Each year level embraced the opportunity to learn more about themselves and others, showing enthusiasm, empathy, and teamwork throughout the week.

A huge thank you to all staff, facilitators, and the Wellbeing Team for their effort, energy, and commitment to making the week such a success – and most importantly, to our students for their outstanding engagement and positive spirit.

Kerri Haworth

Director of Wellbeing

Meet the Team...

Kerri Haworth Nella Foley Dan Ferdinands

Director of Wellbeing Mental Health Practitioner Youth Engagement Officer

haw@cheltsec.vic.edu.au fol@cheltsec.vic.edu.au fsd@cheltsec.vic.edu.au

(Monday - Friday) (Monday - Thursday) (Monday - Friday)

Jane O'Callaghan Nicole Huang Donna Hurst

Youth Worker Les Foundation Counsellor Counsellor

onj@cheltsec.vic.edu.au hgn@cheltsec.vic.edu.au htd@cheltsec.vic.edu.au

(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday (Friday) (Tuesday and Wednesday)

and Friday)

Patty

Therapy Dog

(various days)

Wellbeing Contact Form

Contact our Cheltenham Secondary College Wellbeing team directly with any concerns or issues, and one of the team will get back to you. The form can be accessed here.

Helpful Contacts

Headspace

http://www.headspace.org.au/

Headspace Centres can be a one-stop shop for all young people who just need some help with everyday stuff or wellbeing and physical health.

Kids Helpline

https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Kids Helpline is across Australia, it is free, private and confidential 24/7. Mainly for young people aged 5 to age 25.

Call them on.. 1800 55 1800

Lifeline

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Provides all Australians everywhere experiencing a personal crisis allowing 24-hour support. Call them on.. 13 11 14

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Provides information and support which helps tackle head-on the effects of mental health issues no matter where or what age.

Call them on.. 1300 22 4636

Parentline

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/parentline-service