Health & Wellbeing @ NLPS

The Stand-Up Project (SUP)

On Tuesday 17th of March, we had an incursion called The Stand-Up Project. It taught us different ways to stand up to bullies without being mean. We learnt that you can be brave, kind, and respectful while helping yourself or others. 

The person who was running the incursion was called Zach and he started ‘THE STAND-UP PROJECT’ because when he was little, he was bullied and he wanted to make change and try to eliminate bullying.

At the end of the session the teachers chose some of the students from year 5/6 who would be a good representative for the role of SUP leader, which is a job where you get to come up with an idea in groups that will fix a problem at Newport Lakes. This problem is then the focus of an interactive presentation, which we decided to make and present to Year 2 and 3 students. We had a great day and are looking forward to the work that we will do at school with all the leaders.

By Emilia, Addie, Zarley and Morgan

School Holiday Wellbeing Challenge

As we head into the school holidays, I’d like to wish all of our families a wonderful break.

Holidays can be such a valuable time to recharge, enjoy family moments, catch up on play dates with friends, and maybe even squeeze in a few extra shopping trips too!

As the Wellbeing Teacher, many of the students I work with would probably tell you that I do enjoy setting a little bit of homework… but not the usual reading, writing, or maths kind.

These school holidays, I’d love to set a little homework challenge for all of our children.

Holiday Challenge

Over the break, I encourage children to have a go at taking small risks and trying a few more independent things in everyday situations. These little moments can be a wonderful way to help build confidence, resilience, communication skills, and self-belief.

Some examples might include:

• ordering their own food or drink 
• asking for the bill at a restaurant 
• asking for sauce, cutlery or napkins 
• paying for an item at a shop
• asking a staff member where to find something in the supermarket 
• making their own bed each morning 
• packing their own bag for a day out 
• asking to play with another child at the park 
• making a phone call with a parent nearby 
• helping to place or collect a takeaway order 
• asking a librarian where to find a book 
• introducing themselves to another child 
• helping unpack the groceries 
• choosing clothes for the next day 
• asking for help when they need it 
• speaking up when they are unsure 
• trying something new that feels a little brave 

These may seem like small things to us as adults, but for many children, these are big brave moments that help grow confidence from the inside out.

The goal isn’t to get it right every time, it’s simply to have a go.

If your child takes on the challenge and you happen to capture the moment, we’d love for you to send through a photo so that we can share some of these brave and independent moments in our next newsletter. Please email them through to me - HERE.

Thank you, as always, for the many ways you support your children’s social and emotional growth.

Wishing all of our families a safe, happy, and restful break.

Samantha Meddis

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader

Support Services for Families

At different times in life, we all may experience challenges or need extra support. As a school community, we care deeply about the wellbeing of our students and their families. Reaching out for help can feel difficult, but it’s a strong and positive step.

Below is a list of confidential support services available to families for a range of needs including family violence, mental health, parenting challenges, and specialised community support. Many are available 24/7 with trained professionals ready to listen, support, and guide you.

Family Violence & Violence Against Women

The Orange Door – Werribee📞 1800 271 045 | 📍 15–17 Watton St, Werribee VIC 3030Support for:

• People experiencing family violence
• Care and wellbeing of children and young people
• People wanting to change violent behaviour

Specialist support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, migrant/refugee communities, LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities.

Safe Steps📞 1800 015 188 | Web chat & email available online

• Crisis response & safety planning
• 24/7 phone support

1800RESPECT📞 1800 737 732 | 📱 Text: 0458 737 732

• Confidential counselling & support for family & sexual-based violence
• 24/7 phone support

Sunny App – Free download

• Support for people with disability who have experienced violence

GenWest📞 1800 436 937

• Family violence support in Melbourne’s west
• Interpreter service via 131 450

Support for Men

Men’s Referral Service – 📞 1300 766 491MensLine Australia – 📞 1300 78 99 78

• Support for male victims of family violence
• Support for men who use violence and want to change

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support

• 13YARN – 24/7 mental health crisis support, run by Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people
• Djirra – Legal & non-legal support for Aboriginal women experiencing family violence
• VACCA – Support for Aboriginal women & children affected by family violence

Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Communities

InTouch – Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence📞 1800 755 988 | Translators available

• Support for migrant & refugee communities
• Specialist services also through The Orange Door, Safe Steps, 1800RESPECT & GenWest

LGBTQIA+ Support

• Rainbow Door – LGBTIQA+ helpline & family violence support
• WithRespect – Tele-counselling & support
• QLife – Counselling & referral for diverse sexes, genders & sexualities
• Safe Schools – Resources & support for inclusive school environments

Support for People with Disabilities

• Sunny App – 1800RESPECT
• Specialist support also via The Orange Door, Safe Steps, 1800RESPECT & GenWest

Mental Health Support

• Lifeline – 📞 13 11 14 | Online chat available | 24/7 support
• Beyond Blue – 📞 1300 224 636 | Online chat | 24/7 support

Sexual Violence Support

• West Centre Against Sexual Assault – 📞 (03) 9216 0444 | 24-hour support
• 1800RESPECT – See above

Adolescence Using Violence in the Home

• Anglicare Victoria – 📞 1800 809 722 | Breaking the Cycle Program
• The Orange Door – See above

Remember: Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, support is just a call or message away.