COUNSELLING CONNECTIONS

Parenting teenagers

Parenting teenagers might not be the easiest job on the planet, a there are so many aspects of the parental role. Helping our young people to a well-adjusted understanding and acceptance of themselves is one of the critical roles of parents. We offer two reminder resources of this role.

Students with strong self-belief are happier and more successful. For more information click HERE.  This article comes from a group of Chinese authors who studied numerous university students. These researchers were not studying how to build self-belief but rather the consequences of good self-belief on students across a wide selection of disciplines. The article is surely worth a quick read.

Building Resilience in Young People (5 mins).

This article is more focused on how to build resilience and self-belief. It is a YouTube post that is short and informative, although the presenter does recommend some of her further posts – these I have not listened to yet. Resources from Mental Health Australia will address the more broad domain of mental health for teenagers. Here is a link to articles promoting mental health from Mental Health First Aid Australia. 

It is important we as adults do not overlook or downplay the critical issue of our self-care. After all, if we are not managing our emotions and stresses well, it is doubly tough when we try to help our young people. Here are some helpful guidelines for self-care. 

Movember at Saints

During this initiative, to raise awareness of and funds for men's health,  many of our staff have grown a mo for Movember. The campaign targets men's mental health, prostate and testicular cancer. St Augustine's has done its part by holding the following events:   

• Yesterday: Year Level Fitness Challenge – three tests (involving one student from each homeroom and a staff member) were conducted at the Hangar during lunch. 

• Today: 60 for 60km. Students participated in house groups to accumulate 60km led by Kris O'Farrell.  A 1km track was set up for walking or jogging, and rowers and bike ergs were available. This activity took place early this morning at the Hangar followed by a big breakfast.
• For more information.

2024 Year 7 Orientation Day

Last week we welcomed our new Year 7 boys to an introduction day at Saints. Thursday 16 November was a day of excitement and enthusiasm as older students showed our 2024 Year 7s around.

Holiday activities

Below is a selection of free or low-priced family-oriented activities in and around Cairns during the holidays. 

Kids About Cairns             

School Holiday Activities             

Get Out With Kids          

Tropical North Queensland  

The Hopeful Institute   

The Be You organisation offers a poster. See below. It is the Be You Support Services and will neatly fit on a space on the family fridge, if you want to keep it handy. Attached here are some further useful ideas to Support your young person during the holidays. 

 After-hours counselling supports

1. Lifeline Telephone counselling 24 hours per day every day. Online counselling (7pm – Midnight) everyday. Tel: 13 11 14. 
2. eHeadspace Online and telephone counselling 9am-1am every day. Tel: 1800 650 890.
3. KidsHelpLine Telephone and webchat counselling 24 hours per day every day. Tel: 1800 551 800.
4. StandBy Telephone and face to face counselling following a suicide 24 hours per day every day. Tel: 1800 551 800 / 0407 490 005.
5. Suicide Callback Service Telephone and online counselling 24 hours per day every day. Tel: 1800 551 800.
6. Parentline Telephone support for parents who are concerned about a young person. 8am – 10pm every day. Tel: 1300 301 300.
7.  NQ Connect  Telephone and online counselling support 24 hours per day every day. Tel: 1300 059 625.
8. YETIAfter hours Youth Diversion Service aged 10-15 years 3-11pm Wednesday to Sunday. Tel: 07 4051 4927; 0448 769 169; 0438 410 412; Email: afterhours@yeti.net.au

If the matter is urgent, please use the information below:

Cairns Hospital 07 4226 000

Lifelines 13 11 14

Beyondblue 1300 244 636

EMERGENCY  000

Wu Choppen 4080 1000

Child & Youth Mental Health 4226 3400

CentreCare Youth 4044 0103

Child Safety 4052 9500 or 4040 8000

Domestic Violence 1800 188 188

Headspace  4041 3780

Kids Help Line 1300 651 188

Youth Beyondblue 1300 224 636

Our holiday

Holidays are primarily about "recharge, refresh, renew". And my understanding is that this relates not just to physical levels of energy, important as these are, yet more importantly to emotional and mental health, family and friend relationships and personal wellbeing. As a number of friends have advised me recently, “Look after yourself”.

The team from the Health and Wellbeing Centre wish all our college families the happiest and safest holiday period. Might we all enjoy the peace that is the real blessing of Christmas and may that peace be the experience in places of conflict: homes, our suburbs and nation,and international conflict situations.

Ms Marijke Keller   07 4052 9136   mkeller@cns.catholic.edu.au

Sr Suzana Borlovan     074052 9112   sborlovan@cns.catholic.edu.au 

Br Roger Vallance    07 4052 9135   brroger@cns.catholic.edu.au

To contact both counsellors please use: sac.counsellor@cns.catholic.edu.au