Wellbeing Update
Wellbeing Team Profile
In this newsletter we thought we would re-introduce you to our college nurse, Bernice Walker, and let you know about the great things Bernice is doing to support students at our college.
Say hi to BERNICE WALKER.
Bernice is our College Nurse who has been doing a wonderful job assisting students who require support with physical and mental health, anxiety, body image and personal identity.
We have been extremely lucky to have Bernice participating in our awareness days and supporting staff in the implementation and delivery of some of our programs such as the Blue Edge Program, and facilitating groups for our LGBTIQA+ students. In addition to this, Bernice has great experience in risk assessments and the development of safety plans to ensure all students at the college are well cared for and feel safe.
Bernice’s expertise in nursing means the Wellbeing Team can seek advice and consult with Bernice about health and safety matters for students.
Bernice is such a valued member of the Wellbeing Team and we look forward to continuing to work with her in 2024.
Inclusiveness at Lowanna
Support for our Indigenous Community
Rubicon Wrap Up Day
Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Koorie Rubicon Leadership Program. Students and Rubicon staff celebrated the conclusion of the program with activities at Lake Narracan followed by a BBQ at the Moe Botanic Gardens.
Serpent Painting
Emily, our Koorie Support Worker, has been doing some finishing touches on the Serpent painting out in the main yard. The meaning of the Serpent is the giver of life, due to its connection to water. The Serpent has a significant role in the beliefs and culture of the Aboriginals in Western Arnhem Land.
Well done to all of our Koorie students who have participated in this activity and added some colour and inclusiveness to our college. Here are a few photos of their incredible artwork efforts.
General Wellbeing Information
Healthy Eating and the Benefits
This term we have had changes to our canteen. We have welcomed Jodie Mace as the Canteen Manager and Marcelle Anderson as our new Canteen Assistant.
Jodie and Marcelle have been working hard to come up with creative and healthy options to provide to our students. It’s been fantastic to see so many wonderful options such as salads, rolls, wraps, fresh fruit cups and some hot foods using the option of air frying as opposed to deep frying. We often hear that a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and keep bones and teeth strong. There are also other benefits such as boosting our mood and optimising brain function.
Check out the two attached documents which highlight the foods that support brain health and mental wellbeing.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Michael Naughton, our Mental Health Practitioner, and I will be facilitating Youth Mental Health First Aid Training on Thursday the 14th and Friday the 15th of December to staff across Lowanna College, Kurnai College and Traralgon College.
This work is to support our local schools in their participation of the Live 4 Life Program, a program that brings rural and regional communities together to improve youth mental health and wellbeing, and deliver youth suicide prevention education. This is done through the delivery of Teen Mental Health First Aid to students, and Youth Mental Health First Aid to adults. The program aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, create partnerships to lead conversations about mental health and promote young leaders as mental health ambassadors.
Respectful Relationships – The 16 Days of Activism
The 16 Days of Activism runs from the 25th of November (The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until the 10th of December (Human Rights Day).
The global 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is a key international time to call for an end to violence against women and girls. Together we need to call on governments, organisations and people in the community to speak out against violence in all its forms. Violence against women is preventable and as a community we can send the message that violence is not acceptable.
We recently had a visit from agencies for our 16 Days of Activism event - Gippsland Women’s Health, Quantum Support Services and 54 Reasons. Local artist, PollyannaR, came along to stick up her white backdrop at the college while students and staff participated in getting their photos taken with a sign about what respect means to them. Enjoy the photos that were taken on the day.
Breakfast Club
A reminder that Breakfast Club is available to students each Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7.45am to 8.30am. 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 out the Wellbeing Team on one or both of the days we provide Breakfast Club. Please let the Wellbeing Team know if you can help out. We also love donations to go towards Breakfast Club – margarine, cheese slices and milo are the things we would greatly appreciate.
Merry Christmas!!!
The Wellbeing Team would like to wish all of our families and the wider community a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe 2024.
It’s been a busy year, however we have enjoyed working with our students to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for them at Lowanna College.
Please enjoy your break, take the time to relax and enjoy the festive season with your friends and loved ones. We look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Paul Fry
Wellbeing Leader