Wellbeing Update

INCLUSIVENESS AT LOWANNA COLLEGE                 

 OUR LGBTIQA+ COMMUNITY

Standout Group

Held on Mondays at lunchtime, alternating weeks for Junior (7-8) and Senior (9-12) students. LGBTQIA+ and ally’s welcome. See Naomi, our College Nurse in Wellbeing, for more information.

GENERAL WELLBEING INFORMATION

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY – 10th DECEMBER

Theme: Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials.

Across the world, people are sharing what makes up their everyday essentials — the moments, values and rights that matter most.

Human Rights begin with us, with the small, everyday choices we make from treating others with respect, speaking up against unfairness and listening to those whose voices are often ignored. Everyday choices and voices matter more than you may realise; they build a culture of dignity and fairness around us.

People took time on 10 December to appreciate the food they ate, the air they breathe, the words they speak, the opportunities they pursue and the protections that keep them safe.

LIVE 4 LIFE 2026 – MOVING FORWARD

In 2026, Lowanna College will continue to lead the important work around the Prevention of Youth Suicide, facilitated through the Live 4 Life initiative. This will include more staff being trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Other staff who have previously completed this training will complete refresher courses and our 2026 Year 8 and 10 students will participate in the Teen Mental Health First Aid.

We will hold special days to raise awareness for this important topic and others.

SMILE SQUAD – FREE DENTAL CHECKS

Would you like to access free dental care for your child(ren)?

Did you know the Victorian Government funds a free school dental program called Smile Squad? For more details about the program visit: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/smile-squad

Smile Squad isn’t visiting our school right now but you can still access this high-quality service, completely free of charge.

To access this service please visit Latrobe Community Health Service at their community dental clinic. Please contact the team at any time to book an appointment. All you need to do is let them know you would like to book a Smile Squad appointment.

Contact the team at:

Latrobe Community Health Service - 81/87 Buckley Street Morwell1800 242 696

The Smile Squad look forward to seeing you soon.

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM 

From 25 November, the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence campaign commenced. Every year, this international movement helps encourage an environment where women are safe and equal. 

Help build Victorian communities where women are safe and equal. It all starts with respect.

EARLY SIGNS OF ALCOHOL MISUSE

Spotting Early Signs of Drug or Alcohol Problems in Young People

Understanding early warning signs can help families notice when a young person may be struggling and needs support.

Substance use may be becoming a problem when:

• It regularly affects a young person’s health, mood or wellbeing.
• They feel less in control of their use than they’d like.
• It starts to interfere with school, work, hobbies or family life. 

Possible early signs to look out for include:

• Changes in appetite or noticeable weight loss/gain.
• Sudden or frequent mood swings.
• Very high or very low energy levels.
• Unusual smells (including smoke) on clothing or in bedrooms.
• Trying to cover smells with strong deodorant or perfume.
• Signs of intoxication (slurred speech, unsteady gait).
• Drop in school performance or attendance.
• Changes in friendship groups or social withdrawal.
• Unexplained need for money.
• Losing interest in usual activities. 

It’s important to remember that each of these signs can have many explanations - including mental health concerns, relationship challenges or normal developmental changes. These signs don’t diagnose a substance-use problem on their own; they simply highlight when a young person might need extra support. Open, calm and supportive communication remains the most effective way to understand what is really going on. Staying connected, listening without judgment and checking in regularly makes it more likely a young person will share their experiences and seek help if they need it.

Reference YoDAA. (n.d.). Identifying signs that drugs might be a problem. https://yodaa.org.au/families/identifying-signs-that-drugs-might-be-a-problem-2/

GOODBYE DAN

The Wellbeing Team say goodbye to Dan O’Shea this week. Dan came to Lowanna at the beginning of 2025 as a student completing his final placement in his Bachelor of Counselling. Dan quickly made a strong impact in supporting several of our students, so much so that he became a member of the team for Term 4 after he finished his qualification.

Dan will be moving on to an outreach role working for YSAS and we are certain he will have a huge impact there. Good luck Dan and thank you for your expertise in our team.

WELLBEING TEAM

• Paul Fry – Wellbeing Leader / Social Worker
• Michael Naughton – Mental Health Practitioner / Social Worker
• Donna Garsia – Wellbeing Coordinator / Out of Home Care Support
• Larnia Sobott – Wellbeing Officer
• Glenda Noordam – Chaplain
• Naomi Mock – Secondary School Nurse
• Emily Vernon – Koorie Coordinator
• Chloe Hedges – Koorie Engagement Officer

EXTERNAL SUPPORTS ONSITE AT LOWANNA

• Jacob Hardy – Salvation Army Onsite Support
• Amy Cahoon – Youth Insearch Onsite Support
• Beau McGarry – Headspace

If you feel your child would benefit from support from any of our team, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are happy to have a discussion with you about the supports we can provide or to discuss external supports available to young people and their families.

ADOLESCENT & FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SUPPORTS:

• HEADSPACE, Morwell – 5136 8300 OR  1800 650 890
• LIFELINE – 13 11 14
• LIFELINE TEXT – 0477 131 114 (6pm to midnight)
• KIDS HELPLINE – 1800 551 800
• THE ORANGE DOOR – 1800 319 354
• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service)

BREAKFAST CLUB 

A reminder that Breakfast Club is available Monday to Friday from 8am to 8.30am (during the school term). We encourage students who have not had a bite to eat to come along and get some toast and a hot milo. A healthy breakfast is just the thing we need to help us start the day well. 

The Breakfast Club Team are also looking for anyone who would like to volunteer their time to help on the days we provide Breakfast Club. Please let the Wellbeing Team know if you’d like to help. We are also looking for donations of Milo and cheese. Any donations can be given to the General Office or wellbeing. Thank you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

On behalf of the Lowanna College Wellbeing Team, we wish all our students and their families a very Merry Christmas. If you are travelling over the festive season, please take care on the roads during this busy time.

It’s been a busy year and we acknowledge the hard work our parents and carers do in juggling family and work commitments.

To our students, take this time to rest, catch up with friends, do things you enjoy and prepare yourself for a big year of success at the college in 2026.

Paul & the Wellbeing Team 😊