Student Wellbeing

Eltham Lions Club Hampers

Each Christmas, the Lions Club of Nillumbik have the privilege of providing substantial food hampers and toys to local families experiencing financial hardship. Again, this year, they will have 100 hampers to distribute on December 11.

Those who qualify must live in Nillumbik Shire or have children attending school there.

If you would like to request a hamper, contact Anna (anna.jenkins@education.vic.gov.au) or a member of the Wellbeing Team. Registrations will be accepted on a first-in, first-served basis, and no later than 8 December, so please contact us ASAP.

The Hampers and Toys will be available for collection by the recipients on December 11 at the time they elect from The Vines Church, Eltham. If families are unable to arrange collection on the above date, they may be able to arrange transport, or permission for alternate collection arrangements.

Saver Plus

As the school year is coming to an end and we are in last term, many families are getting ready for their children’s next big step, transitioning from primary to secondary school, or planning for the year ahead. This can be both an exciting and financially challenging time.

Saver Plus, a free education and matched savings program, funded by the Department of Social Services is designed to support eligible families in preparing for these important milestones with greater confidence.

Through Saver Plus, families can: Receive up to $500, after completing the program, in matched savings to help cover education expenses such as uniforms, books, laptops, technology, camps and excursions, lessons and activities and other school essentials.

Families get access to money management skills through fun and engaging online Money Minded workshops and the support of saving coaches. Develop long-term savings habits and reduce the financial stress associated with the rise of cost of living.

With the end of the year approaching, now is an ideal time to connect with Saver Plus and help to feel more financially prepared for the year ahead.

Nillumbeats Recruitment

Nillumbeats is recruiting for new members aged 15 - 25, to plan and deliver the 2026 Youth Fest!

Nillumbeats is working hard to develop a local skate event for Youth Fest and want YOU to join them! Have an idea? Let’s bring it to life, volunteer now!

• Monthly meetings with like-minded young people and free food!

• Develop Youth Fest, a local skate event

• Great experience for your resume & networking opportunities… and more!

For more info about Nillumbeats check out the link. Apply today to start your volunteering journey with us!

Teen Yoga 

Teen Yoga Classes will be held on Mondays at 4:00pm at Eltham Leisure Centre.

Please contact Danielle Lonsdale (Yoga Teacher and Psychologist) for any information at  info.inalignmentyoga@gmail.com or Ph: 0412 750 497. 

Please see the advertisment in the community announcements section of this newsletter.

Year 7 Parents | Free Parent Coaching Session with Berry St 

We are delighted to offer free parenting sessions for our Junior School families, delivered by a Family Therapist from Berry Street’s highly regarded Matters program. This trusted organisation has supported Eltham High School for many years, and we are honoured to extend this opportunity to our community. We know early engagement can make a meaningful difference.

If you are feeling concerned about your child or would simply value guidance and reassurance in your parenting journey, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. These sessions offer a confidential 1:1 consultation, with the option of ongoing, free family counselling where appropriate.

To access this support, please email familymatters@berrystreet.org.au to book. 

During the consultation, you can expect to:

• Explore any changes you’ve noticed in your child or family dynamics

• Discuss practical strategies to support your young person and build your confidence

• Develop a deeper understanding of your teen and how best to support them

Available bookings are Tuesdays at 9:30am or 12:30pm via Zoom. All sessions run for 60 minutes. 

This is a valuable opportunity to access expert support, and we encourage families to make the most of it.  For any questions, please contact Student Services Leader, 

Mikayla Burley : Mikayla.Burley2@education.vic.gov.au. 

Student Myki Card Loan Program 

At the start of 2026, the Victorian state government made public transport free for under-18-year-olds. However, to access free public transport, young people must have a specialised Youth Myki card introduced in December 2025 and must use it to Touch on (for each trip) via Myki readers. Each card has a purchasing cost of $5, and one must be bought for each child. We understand that this is a significant expense, especially for financially disadvantaged families. We also understand that these cards may be lost or forgotten by students.

In order to combat some of these challenges, and with the initiation and generous support from one of our Year 9 students, Javier, Student Services have setup a card loan program where students can borrow a card for a negotiated period of time in the event that they don’t currently have access to a Myki card or have forgotten their card and don’t have a safe alternative way travel home. 

To access a Myki card, please go to Student Services in the 100’s, or email anna.jenkins@education.vic.gov.au with your request. We have a limited number of cards; please treat them with care and return them when arranged. 

Foodbank Requests

Our Student Services offers a free Breakfast Club in the sensory garden at recess on Wednesdays for hungry students! They can come and get a cup of cereal and some fruit out in the fresh air.  Please note, this is not offered on any other day. 

We are also offering boxes of food with cereal, milk, baked beans etc included, for families in need.  If you are interested in receiving a box or would like some more information, feel free to email felicity.ahern@education.vic.gov.au. 

MIKAYLA BURLEY, Student Services Leader