WELLBEING

THIS MONTH ON SCHOOLTV - NEURODIVERSITY

Neurodiversity emphasises the natural variation in how an individual’s brain functions and how they perceive and interact with the world, leading to diverse ways of learning and communicating. While most young people are neurotypical, some exhibit variations in brain development, such as ADHD, autism or dyslexia, making them neurodivergent.

Embracing neurodiversity involves accepting, celebrating, and supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents without attempting to change or treat their differences. Using respectful language, challenging unhelpful attitudes, avoiding assumptions, and actively promoting inclusivity can help embrace neurodiversity effectively.

Acknowledging the unique ways neurodiverse young people do things and then adapting tasks and activities to ensure their full participation will encourage them to develop strategies that feel natural to them. It will help improve their mental health, wellbeing and sense of self. By recognising and nurturing their strengths, parents and caregivers can contribute to building an inclusive and compassionate society where all young people can thrive.

Learning more about neurodiversity, equips caregivers with insights into effective communication techniques, educational strategies, and parenting approaches tailored to the specific needs of their neurodivergent child. 

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.

Here is the link to this month's edition https://mckinnonsc.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/neurodiversity

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact Student Wellbeing at wellbeing@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au  for further information or seek medical or professional help.

CHILD SAFETY

Our school cares about the safety and wellbeing of our students and their families.

Sometimes things at home or in a relationship are not OK or families can be worried about the  wellbeing of their children or young people. 

The Orange Door can help you to get the support you need, quickly and easily. It’s free and you  don’t need a referral. 

THE ORANGE DOOR

The Orange Door can help families. They provide support for concerns with parenting,  relationships, and family violence. 

The Orange Door is a free intake and assessment service for: 

• families requiring support for their child or young person’s wellbeing or development · families needing parenting support 

• young, isolated, or unsupported families 

• individuals and families experiencing family violence 

• adults using family violence 

• young people using violence in the home

If you contact The Orange Door, they can help by: 

• working with you to identify the help and support you need 

• supporting you with the wellbeing and development of your child or young person · helping you make a safety plan if someone is making you feel unsafe 

• connecting you to services that can help like counselling, accommodation, mental health  and drug and alcohol services, parenting support groups, services for children, financial  help, or legal assistance 

• supporting you to access funding for basic living expenses and some other costs · supporting you to change abusive or controlling behaviour. 

Each Orange Door location across Victoria has their own phone number and email. Students and  their families can also visit their local Orange Door in person for support, Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm for support. No appointment is needed.  

To find your local service, see: The Orange Door – Support near you. 

How schools connect with The Orange Door 

Our school might talk to a student and/or their family about The Orange Door. We might encourage them to contact their local Orange Door to get advice and help if needed. 

Ideally, a student and/or their family will get in touch with The Orange Door to seek advice and  support.

Sometimes, schools might make a referral to The Orange Door without the student or their family’s  knowledge or consent. Schools will do this if: 

• informing a student and/or family increases the risk to their safety or wellbeing

• not linking a student to support increases the risk of their safety and wellbeing

You can learn more about: ·  

• The Orange Door and how they can help you and your family here. 

• Child safety in Victorian schools is a collective responsibility, and at McKinnon Secondary College, we have two dedicated Child Safety Officers who provide support, expertise and guidance on child safety policies and practices for staff, students and families. They act as key points of contact for child safety concerns and support a strong culture of child safety and wellbeing across our school, in line with Ministerial Order 1359. 

MCKINNON SECONDARY COLLEGE CHILD SAFETY OFFICERS

Our Child Safety Officers are:

McKinnon Road Campus – Patty Etcell

East Campus – Peter Gale

Our Child Safety Officers can be contacted during school hours on (03) 8520 9000, or via email at pattye@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au or peterg@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au.

For more information on our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, please click here. 

Patty Etcell

Head of Wellbeing