Whittlesea Council Youth Summit

Fun

By Zoe, Elias and Jack

On Thursday the 11th of September, 6 very lucky students got chosen to participate in the Whittlesea Youth Summit. We were transported by a 5 star uber; aka Bev’s car and Julie’s car. When we arrived, the teachers sat at other tables and we got split into two groups.

First, we started with an acknowledgement to the country. For our first activity, we shared what places made us feel safe, included and comfortable, and what places did not. Then, we had our first brain break! It was totally very exciting, and they even served us very fresh fruit! Next, we had our second activity. We had to share what we wanted in our dream community. After that, we had another very exciting brain break! We had a very special snack, muffins! Then we started our 3rd activity, we had to create a tree out of paper explaining our hopes and dreams along with the people that support us, the things that empower us and the things that got in the way of us achieving our hopes and dreams.

After that, we found that we could write stuff on the massive windows! So that's what everyone started doing.

And finally, after all the years, we finally got to have lunch!!! The food was amazing and to make matters even better, there was VR, badge making, live animals, music, henna, dancing robots and even a photobooth!

We then ended the day by using a hypothetical 5 thousands dollars to make a great community project for the Whittlesea Council to bring youth together and try to solve problems affecting the mental health of the youth in our community and finally ending our day with a delicious snicker and mars bar.

Active Schools Grant

Our two new outdoor table tennis tables have been installed. One is outside the library and one is outside the prep decking area. The Junior School Council are in the process of coming up with some rules and procedures so that we all know how to use the tables safely. We also received a banner to display on our school fence to show that we are part of the Active Schools program.

In even more exciting news, during the holidays, we will have three cubby houses installed in the area near the gigi pit. Watch this space for the construction to commence!

Lego Intervention

We have four LEGO based social-skills groups running this term across prep to year 6. Students will be working in small groups of three students to create various lego kits and develop their turn taking, emotional regulation and skill building of sustainable friendships. The first groups have run with great success and the students are very excited to be a part of this program.

Play time programs

Mindful Monday, Terrific Tuesday, Wellbeing Wednesday and Thrilling Thursday play clubs are all continuing to be successful with high numbers of students attending each activity. Due to popular demand, we will introduce Fantastic Fridays where students of any age group are welcome in the STEM room at play time to play with the large number of exciting games that we have on offer.

Spring School Holiday Events run by the City of Whittlesea

ONLY $5 movie (Bad Guys 2) at Westfield - includes movie ticket, free popcorn & drink!

Friday 3 October 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Ages 12-18

See movie trailer here THE BAD GUYS 2 | Official Trailer 2

This will sell out super-fast – so register here to secure your spot https://www.trybooking.com/DFCBV

Last Thursday was R U OK? Day

- a national reminder that even the smallest conversations can have the biggest impact.

At Hide N Seek, we see every day how young people can carry silent struggles with eating disorders, body image concerns, and mental health. Often, the hardest part is starting that very first conversation.

By asking “Are you OK?”, you give someone permission to share their story. You show them they’re not alone. You help break down the silence that too often surrounds mental health.

Here are some gentle ways to reach out:

Choose the right time and place — somewhere calm and private.
Ask with care — keep it simple: “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a bit down lately. Are you OK?”
Listen without judgment — let them talk, don’t rush to fix.
Encourage support — whether it’s a trusted friend, GP, or helpline.

🌱 Together, we can create communities where no one suffers in silence

If you or someone you know needs extra support:

Hide N Seek Foundation: www.hidenseekfoundation.org
Butterfly Foundation Helpline: 1800 33 4673
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

Thank you for being part of this conversation.

Today — and every day — let’s keep asking, listening, and caring.

We are here for you, not just on R U OK? Day but every day, ready to listen, support, and remind you that you’re not alone.

Raising Healthy Minds

The Raising Healthy Minds app is a free, personalised, pocket resource to help parents and carers raise confident, resilient children. Co-designed with parents and experts and funded by the Australian Government, Raising Healthy Minds aims to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing with evidence-based information. 

You’ll find information on topics like dealing with worries and making friends, as well as ideas for day-to-day life, like creating family routines, looking after yourself as a parent, and building strong relationships. 

The app offers a mix of quick-read articles, videos and animations aimed at parents and carers of children aged 0-12 years. You can tailor information to the age of your child and opt-in to receive helpful tips. 

Raising Healthy Minds provides simple-to-use information at your fingertips with clear actions you can start today. 

Download from Google Play or the App Store or go to raisingchildren.net.au/rhm to learn more and raise a healthy mind 🧠 😊 

School Holiday Programs - at TRAC and Mill Park Leisure Centre

1:1 Device Program