Wellbeing

End Of Term 4:

Wellbeing Report

As we wrap up another busy and rewarding year at South Oakleigh College, the Wellbeing Team wants to take a moment to thank our students, families, and the wider school community. This year has been full of growth, resilience, and connection, and we feel so proud to have supported our students on their journeys.

On a personal note, I will be going on maternity leave from early December. It has been an absolute privilege to work with your young people and to be welcomed into your families. The families at South Oakleigh College are genuinely wonderful—supportive, caring, and always looking out for their children. Thank you for letting us be part of your lives this year.

We also want to acknowledge that Imogen will be leaving the Wellbeing Team at the end of this year. We are so grateful for all the care, guidance, and support she has given to our students throughout 2025. Her kindness and dedication have made a real difference, and we wish her every happiness in the next chapter of her journey.

Looking ahead, we are excited to share that Debbie Walters will be stepping into the role of Director of Student Wellbeing for 2026. Debbie brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and care, and the wellbeing of students will continue to be in excellent hands. The team is committed to supporting every student, helping them feel safe, valued, and ready to thrive.

🌿 Support Over the Holidays

We know the school holidays can be a wonderful break, but they can also be challenging for some students and families. If you need support over the holiday period, these services are available:

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
Headspace: www.headspace.org.au
Parentline: 13 22 89
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
In an emergency: Call 000

💛 Feeling Anxious About Returning to School?

It’s very common for students to feel a little nervous about coming back after the holidays. They might have trouble sleeping, feel irritable, worry about friendships, or be concerned about schoolwork.

Here are some ways families can help:

Start to ease back into routines in the final week of holidays
Talk positively about school and new beginnings
Reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous
Encourage meet-ups with friends if it helps
Reach out to the Wellbeing Team early in Term 1 if concerns continue

The Wellbeing Team will be here from the first day of term to support students as they settle back in, reconnect with friends, and feel confident about the year ahead.

Thank you again for a wonderful year. We wish all our students and families a safe, happy, and restful holiday, and we can’t wait to see what 2026 brings!

Elizabeth Smith

Director of Student Wellbeing

Last term, Respectful Relationships ran a creative competition across the state for Primary and Secondary school students. This was part of the global '16 Days' campaign which is an international campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.

Students were required to submit a piece of creative work that responded to one of the 8 Respectful Relationships topics. The Wellbeing Team ran a small group program for 6 weeks in Term 3 with students from years 7-10 which explored the Respectful Relationships topics through the creation of a piece of art to submit to the competition.

The Wellbeing Team is proud to announce that Year 9 student Minee Bernshaw won the competition for the Secondary School category with their poem titled 'Joy' which responded to the Respectful Relationships topic of emotional literacy.

Minee will be presented with a certificate and prize to acknowledge their hard work and winning piece.

Congratulations Minee!

Emma Tribe

Student Wellbeing Officer