Wellbeing 

Grass pollen season brings an increase in asthma and hay fever. It also brings the chance of thunderstorm asthma.

Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of high amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever this can trigger severe asthma symptoms.

If you have current, past or undiagnosed asthma or seasonal hay fever you are at risk of thunderstorm asthma. Even if you don't think you have asthma or hay fever, don't ignore symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath.

Thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening.

Know the risks. Get prepared. Stay safe.

Learn more at https://www.bhs.org.au/services-and-clinics/grampians-public-health-unit/thunderstorm-asthma/

Man Cave & Glow Girl sessions

Last week, our Year 7-10 students participated in two transformative programs, The Man Cave for the boys and Glow Girl for the girls. These focused on themes of gender stereotypes, identity, confidence, and building healthy relationships. They provided unique opportunities for our students to explore these critical areas of personal development in a safe and supportive environment.

Challenging Gender Stereotypes:

Both programs centered around breaking down restrictive gender stereotypes. For the boys, The Man Cave provided a platform to confront societal expectations about masculinity, such as the pressure to hide emotions, focus on dominance, or reject vulnerability. Through interactive workshops, boys learned that true strength lies in embracing a fuller range of emotions and supporting each other through openness and empathy​. Similarly, in Glow Girl, girls explored the stereotypes that often dictate how they should look, behave, and interact with others. The program encouraged them to reject narrow definitions of femininity and instead celebrate their individuality and diverse talents. The emphasis was on creating a space where students could reflect on these pressures and how to challenge them in everyday life, paving the way for more inclusive and empowering perspectives.

Building Confidence and Identity:

A key focus of both The Man Cave and Glow Girl was fostering a strong sense of identity and self-confidence in students. In The Man Cave, boys were encouraged to reflect on their personal values and how they define themselves outside of societal norms, such as athleticism or financial success​. The facilitators emphasised the importance of self-awareness and self-worth, helping boys cultivate a healthier and more authentic sense of identity. Glow Girl provided girls with tools to boost their confidence by embracing their unique qualities and overcoming insecurities related to body image or societal expectations. Through guided discussions and creative activities, the girls explored what it means to be confident and how to maintain a positive self-image amidst external pressures.

Fostering Positive Relationships:

Finally, both programs worked extensively on developing healthy, respectful relationships. The Man Cave stressed the importance of emotional connection and communication in male friendships, moving away from competitive or superficial interactions towards deeper, more supportive relationships. Boys were encouraged to practise empathy, listening, and emotional vulnerability, which are key to forming meaningful bonds​. Similarly, Glow Girl helped girls navigate the complexities of friendships, peer dynamics, and social pressures. The girls discussed how to build relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. These discussions helped both our young people rethink their roles in relationships and empowered them to seek connections that reflect their values and emotional needs.

Together, these programs gave students valuable insights into how they can navigate the challenges of growing up, from rejecting harmful stereotypes to building a strong sense of identity and fostering meaningful, positive relationships. We are excited to see the lasting impact these experiences will have on their personal and social development.

We are very thankful for the invaluable support of Bendigo Bank, who provided funding support to help us bring The Man Cave facilitators out to Edenhope. Without their support we wouldn’t have been able to put on such an amazing program to support the growth and development of our young people.