WYNDHAM WHISPERS

WELLBEING @ WYNDHAM

Wellbeing update

Welcome to the first Wellbeing update of 2024. 

 

We saw this term begin for Year 11 with a “Strong Start”! Past students have told us that it was important that they had time at the start of the year to make connections with each other and their teachers. This led to the creation of “Strong Start”. Our focus was on creating activities, where the Year 11 students could get to know a wider range of people from across different 7-10 schools, and to meet and connect with their teachers. It was fantastic to see our Year 12 SRC students lead activities for the new Year 11’s, and to see the relationships made over the two days. 

 

The Wellbeing Team are looking forward to a happy and successful 2024. Our team is a large, diverse group of staff, who are here to ensure students are provided with support for their mental health and wellbeing needs. Our team consists of: 

School Counsellors – Victoria Joyner (Tuesday and Friday) and Mel Ozluk (Wednesday)

Wellbeing & Engagement Counsellor – Juanita Mcmillan (Monday to Thursday)

Chaplain - Tim Gleeson (Monday)

Health Issues

Year 11 students with serious health conditions have been, or will be, provided with paperwork that must be completed and returned as a matter of urgency. It is essential that staff and students are prepared appropriately for these medical conditions and students bring their correct medications each day, for example, EpiPens, glucose testing kits. Year 12 students updated their plans last term. If changes need to be made, please contact the relevant Year Adviser.

 

All asthmatic students should bring in their asthma plan and give it to the College Office. It is essential that students bring their puffers with them each day to ensure easy access to this important medication.

Student Assistance

If financial difficulties are creating pressure, in terms of being in school uniform and paying school/course fees, then a student assistance form can be collected from either the College Office or Year Advisers.

 

Please contact a member of our team if you have concerns.

 

Rachel Kelso - Head Teacher Wellbeing 

Wyndham Wellbeing Room

Wyndham College is pleased to announce the introduction of the Wyndham Wellbeing Room. 

 

This small room will be available as a Multi Faith Prayer room for students during recess and lunch times. 

 

The room is located at the bottom of C Block right next door to the Conference Room. Teachers on supervision during recess and lunch will unlock the room for student use.

 

A reminder also to those students wanting to attend the mosque on Friday, they should remain in class until their lessons conclude at 12.50pm and then walk to the local mosque. If you attempt to drive there, you will most likely get caught in traffic, so you are welcome to leave your cars parked on the Precinct and walk back to drive home.

 

As we also prioritise staff wellbeing, staff will have access at other times for prayer, meditation or yoga.

Community Liaison Officer - Leon Naufahu

A friendly reminder that a coaching conversation, either formal or informal; short or long, is available for all students at Wyndham College. The conversation can cover any of the challenges you are facing regardless of whether it is related to schoolwork or not. 

 

Leon is in the B Block Staff Room on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during Week A and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during Week B until the end of the Term.

 

Some of the challenges Leon may be able to help with are - 

  • Deal with the elephants in the room.
  • Create change without becoming a bully or losing all of your friends.
  • Meet your need for knowing yourself, belonging, and connecting to community without feeling like avoiding or hiding.
  • Make the most of a bad situation.
  • Better manage anger and resentment.
  • Stop feeling like an outsider.

If any of this sounds like you, Leon is open to chatting. He works alongside but doesn't replace the conversations with our Student Support Officer, our wonderful Counsellors and any health or helping professional you may be seeing in the community. 

 

Remember, Leon must still follow all the mandatory reporting rules; can’t excuse students from any class; or give an excuse for any assignments or work due to be submitted. He will also not triangulate himself into any conversation a student needs to have with a teacher or loved one.

 

Airing your opinions and concerns is a good step towards getting perspective on them so you can overcome challenges instead of being overwhelmed by them. You’re only human!

 

Let's enjoy Wyndham College!