Year 7 Wellbeing Day: Building Connection, Understanding and Belonging

On Wednesday 20 May, our Year 7 students recently participated in a highly engaging and meaningful Wellbeing Day, designed to support their personal growth, strengthen connections, and promote positive wellbeing.

The day began with an informative session from Hide N Seek, who provided students with age-appropriate information about disordered eating. Through open and thoughtful discussion, students learned about healthy relationships with food, body image, and the importance of seeking support when needed. The session encouraged students to develop greater awareness and understanding of these important wellbeing issues.

Students then enjoyed interactive activities with Kingston Youth Services. Through a variety of fun games and team-building challenges, students learned about the valuable services and support available to young people within the local community. The engaging approach allowed students to connect with youth workers while gaining confidence in knowing where they can turn for assistance, advice, or support.

A highlight of the day was the inspiring keynote presentation by Eric Agyeman, centered on the theme 'I BELONG'. Eric shared powerful messages about identity, inclusion, respect, and the importance of embracing our differences. His presentation challenged students to reflect on how they can contribute to creating a community where everyone feels valued and accepted.

Following the keynote, students participated in interactive workshops that further explored the concepts introduced by Eric. Through discussion and collaborative activities, students considered ways to celebrate diversity, demonstrate kindness, and foster a sense of belonging within their school community. These workshops helped students translate the key messages into practical actions they can apply in their everyday interactions.

The Year 7 Wellbeing Day was a valuable opportunity for students to develop greater self-awareness, empathy, and understanding of others. We thank Hide N Seek, Kingston Youth Services, and Eric Agyeman for their contributions to a day that empowered our students to build stronger connections and continue creating an inclusive and supportive school environment.

Year 7 Students Build Skills for Managing Big Emotions

On Monday 1 June during their pastoral care lesson, our Year 7 students participated in an engaging Toolbox Education workshop focused on Emotion Regulation. The session provided students with practical strategies to better understand and manage their emotions, particularly during challenging or stressful situations.

Throughout the workshop, students explored how the brain responds to stress and learned why strong emotions can sometimes make it difficult to think clearly or make good decisions. By understanding the connection between the brain, body and emotions, students gained valuable insight into their own emotional experiences.

Students were introduced to a range of calming techniques, including movement, breathing exercises and grounding strategies. These practical tools can be used in everyday situations to help reduce stress, regain focus and promote a sense of calm.

A key message of the workshop was learning how to respond rather than react when emotions run high. Through discussion and activities, students practised recognising emotional triggers and developing strategies to pause, reflect and make positive choices.

Grounded in neuropsychology and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) principles, the workshop equipped students with evidence-based techniques to support their emotional wellbeing. These skills will help students build resilience, strengthen relationships and confidently navigate the challenges of adolescence.

We thank Toolbox Education for delivering such an informative and empowering session and look forward to seeing our students continue to apply these valuable skills both in and out of the classroom.

Toolbox Clinic - Psychology Services

Toolbox Education also has a Toolbox Clinic where families can access high level psychological support with little to no waiting times. To access the Medicare rebate, families will need to see their GP and complete a Mental Health Care Plan. This can only be completed by a GP or paediatrician. This provides up to 10 Medicare rebated sessions per calendar year. When completing a Mental Health Care Plan, families can ask their GP to address the referral to Toolbox Clinic.

If you have any questions, please get in touch here: Toolbox Clinic.

They have new psyches starting in July, August, and September, so they have good availability for regular appointments.

Kerri Haworth

Director of Wellbeing

Meet the Team!

Kerri Haworth (HAW)

Director of Wellbeing

Daniel Ferdinands (FSD) Nella Foley (FOL) Jane O'Callaghan (ONJ)

Youth Engagement Officer Mental Health Practitioner Les Twentyman Youth Worker

Donna Hurst (HTD) Josh McEvoy (MYJ) Jackie Teese (TEE)

School Counsellor Psychologist School Counsellor

Patty

Therapy Dog

*We also employ a Placement Student Provisional Psychologist and Placement Student Counsellors and Social & Youth Workers.

Don't forget about our Breakfast Club, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8.15am to 8.45am, offering cheese toasties and fruit cups. We also have free apples available in the Wellbeing roo for all students, and we kindly ask that they be mindful of where they dispose of apple cores. Organic waste bins are conveniently placed throughout the school grounds, particularly in the large courtyard outside the canteen.

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

Fantastic service for parents and carers of young children from a few days of age all the way up to 18-year-olds. This service offers counselling and support which is confidential and anonymous on all issues around parenting. Call them on...13 22 89.

Chelt.Sec Clubs and Activities

DnD | Maths | Chess | Badminton

Clubs at Chelt.Sec