Student Welbeing

Whole School Breakfast Club

On September 13, Student Services hosted a whole school Breakfast Club! It was an amazing effort. Thank you to our student leaders, teachers and the Eltham Lion’s Club for volunteering and promoting an important wellbeing initiative.

Why is a Breakfast Club important? The School Breakfast Club program seeks to address the impact disadvantage can have on education outcomes by offering free and healthy food for students. Research shows a young person’s ability to concentrate in class, self-regulate and learn is negatively impacted if they are hungry.

Here at Eltham High, we provide the Breakfast Club to all students every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning in room 413.

Improving Adolescent Self-esteem

Increasing adolescent self-esteem is an important goal that can positively impact a student’s overall wellbeing and academic achievements.

Here are some strategies that we promote in Student Services to enhance adolescent self-esteem based on recent studies:

Research has shown that positive social relationships play a crucial role in promoting adolescent self-esteem. A study by De Goede, Branje, and Meeus (2018) found that positive interactions with peers, such as social support and friendship quality, were significantly associated with higher self-esteem in adolescents. Did you know there are a variety of clubs and activities that a student can join at Eltham High? The 2023 Clubs and Activities list can be located under 'Parent and Carers Information' in this Newsletter.
A meta-analysis by Mann et al. (2016) indicated that participation in physical activity and sports was positively correlated with higher self-esteem in adolescents. Engaging in regular physical activity not only promotes physical health but also contributes to improved perceptions of self and overall wellbeing.
A study by Frison and Eggermont (2016) explored the impact of social media use on adolescent self-esteem. They found that excessive use of social media platforms, particularly those emphasizing appearance and social comparison, was associated with lower self-esteem in adolescents. Encouraging and monitoring healthy social media habits will promote positive online experiences that can benefit adolescent self-esteem.
Another study by Nesi, Choukas-Bradley, and Prinstein (2018) investigated the influence of parental warmth and support on adolescent self-esteem. The findings indicated that adolescents who perceived higher levels of parental warmth and support exhibited higher self-esteem. Positive and nurturing parenting practices contribute significantly to the development of healthy self-esteem in adolescents.
Research by Suldo, Riley, and Shaffer (2016) highlighted the role of gratitude in promoting adolescent self-esteem. They found that adolescents who practiced gratitude experienced higher levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction. Encouraging adolescents to foster gratitude through activities such as gratitude journals or expressing appreciation can positively impact their self-esteem.

Overall, supporting a young person to build upon their self-esteem is an ongoing process that requires patience, consistency, and a supporting environment. We recommend open communication, active listening, and unconditional support to help your young person to develop a strong sense of self-worth.

Upcoming Parenting Sessions

The Nillumbik Parenting Series is a range of free information sessions and workshops that provide strategies and tools to help families to strengthen skills in providing positive support to children and young people, and responding effectively during the most challenging times.

Supporting Young People with Climate and Natural Disaster Anxiety (Free)

Wednesday 11 October, 7:00 - 8:30pm

Online (via Zoom), free

Join David Younger, Clinical and Consultant Psychologist and one of Australia’s leading natural disaster preparedness and recovery experts, to learn how to support young people in an era of climate change and cascading natural disasters.

This online session will cover:

How to understand the climate emergency and natural disasters from a young person’s perspective.
Identifying signs of distress and anxiety around climate change and natural disasters.
Creating an open and supporting atmosphere at home to build and strengthen relationships with young people.
Learning how to pick your battles when views differ.

Community Spring School Holiday Program

Join Nillumbik Youth for some fun (and free!) events over the September school holidays.

Sessions being run include:

Eltham Clothes Swap (Free)

Friday 22 September, 2:00 - 4:00pm

Eltham Library, Panther Place Eltham

Eltham Library and Nillumbik Youth are hosting a clothes swap and upcycling session. Bring along your gently worn clothes and swap them out for a new addition to your wardrobe.

Rainbow Movie Night (Free)

Monday 25 September, 6:00 - 8:30pm

Eltham

Enjoy the coming-of-age rom com ‘Love Simon’ with some free food and drinks. BYO blanket or pillow to sit on.

Life Skills: Cooking on a budget (Free)

Tuesday 26 September, 11:00 am - 1:00pm

Hurstbridge Community Centre

Learn how to cook some delicious low-cost meals with Nillumbik Youth! Sessions will include recipes and a take home lunch.

This session is for young people: 12-25.

Pat and Chat (Free)

Wednesday 27 September, 1:30 - 3:00:pm

Edendale Farm, Gaston’s Rd Eltham North

Join headspace and meet the animals’ workshop at Edendale Farm. This event is for high school students

MADELINE KAMAMIS, Student Services Leader