Student Wellbeing
July 29 | The Body Project
We are pleased to offer The Body Project program, delivered by headspace and our Psychotherapist and Counsellor, Felicity Ahern, to support our young people’s wellbeing. The program will run as a closed group of up to 10 students from across all year levels and will consist of four targeted sessions.
This program helps students to:
Build positive self-talk and improve self-esteem
Challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about body image
Better understand the pressures of appearance ideals from social media, peers, and society
Feel more comfortable and accepting of their bodies
Connect with peers and talk openly in a safe, supportive environment
What students will do in the sessions:
Explore how social media and society shape body expectations
Learn how to respond to body-related comments
Challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about body image
Celebrate individuality and personal strengths
Practise verbal, written and behavioural activities to rethink the idea of the “perfect body”
This is a positive and supportive program designed to empower students and build confidence in who they are. To refer your young person, please email Student Services Leader, Madeline Gaitanis: Madeline.Gaitanis@education.vic.gov.au.
Term 3 | I CAN Mentoring Program
We are excited to be continuing our partnership with I CAN in 2026 and offering the I CAN mentoring program for sixteen students, which will be held over 8 X 1-period sessions (1 session per week) during Term 3.
About I CAN
I CAN is Australia's largest Autistic led organisation, running programs in schools which support students - some being Neurodivergent, and others with specific learning preferences.
Who is the program for?
Students do not need to have a diagnosis or presentation of Autism/ neurodiversity to be invited into the ICAN program. ICAN covers many life skills, (e.g. leadership, strengths, communication, teamwork, understanding emotions & stress management, organisation, time-management, and planning) which can support your child's personal development.
Further information about the program.
"What Parents Say" - short clip from a parent of an I CAN high school mentee, explaining her initial reluctance & then why she came to embrace the program.
I CAN Program Information recording - Rachael Hamilton, I CAN Program Facilitator & Disability Inclusion Ambassador, discusses I CAN & our program in a quick 3 minute recording, supported by a visual slide deck.
Secondary school program, 3 minute recording for families: https://youtu.be/-ULcpbzk_dc
To refer your young person, please email Mental Health Practitioner, Anna Jenkins at anna.jenkins@education.vic.gov.au
Year 7 Parents | Free Parent Coaching Session with Berry St
We are delighted to offer free parenting sessions for our Junior School families, delivered by a Family Therapist from Berry Street’s highly regarded Matters program. This trusted organisation has supported Eltham High School for many years, and we are honoured to extend this opportunity to our community. We know early engagement can make a meaningful difference.
If you are feeling concerned about your child or would simply value guidance and reassurance in your parenting journey, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. These sessions offer a confidential 1:1 consultation, with the option of ongoing, free family counselling where appropriate.
To access this support, please email familymatters@berrystreet.org.au to book.
During the consultation, you can expect to:
Explore any changes you’ve noticed in your child or family dynamics
Discuss practical strategies to support your young person and build your confidence
Develop a deeper understanding of your teen and how best to support them
Available bookings are Tuesdays at 9.30am or 12.30pm via Zoom. All sessions run for 60 minutes.
This is a valuable opportunity to access expert support, and we encourage families to make the most of it. For any questions, please contact Student Services Leader, Madeline Gaitanis: madeline.gaitanis@education.vic.gov.au.
Student Myki Card Loan Program
At the start of 2026, the Victorian state government made public transport free for under-18-year-olds.However, to access free public transport, young people must have a specialised Youth Myki card introduced in December 2025 and must use it to Touch on (for each trip) via Myki readers. Each card has a purchasing cost of $5, and one must be bought for each child. We understand that this is a significant expense, especially for financially disadvantaged families. We also understand that these cards may be lost or forgotten by students.
In order to combat some of these challenges, and with the initiation and generous support from one of our Year 9 students, Javier, and Student Services have setup a card loan program where students can borrow a card for a negotiated period of time in the event that they don’t currently have access to a Myki card or have forgotten their card and don’t have a safe alternative way travel home.
To access a Myki card, please go to Student Services in the 100’s, or email anna.jenkins@education.vic.gov.au with your request. We have a limited number of cards; please treat them with care and return them when arranged.
Foodbank Requests
Our Student Services offers a free Breakfast Club in the sensory garden at recess on Wednesdays for hungry students! They can come and get a cup of cereal and some fruit out in the fresh air. Please note, this is not offered on any other day.
We are also offering boxes of food with cereal, milk, baked beans etc included, for families in need. If you are interested in receiving a box or would like some more information, feel free to email felicity.ahern@education.vic.gov.au.
MADELINE GAITANIS, Student Services Leader