Welfare/Learning Support

The Butterfly Effect Program: Empowering Year 7 Girls at Elderslie High School

In an inspiring initiative to foster growth, resilience, and empowerment among young girls, Elderslie High School recently hosted the Butterfly Effect Program on the 9th April for our Year 7 girls. This innovative program aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of young women by equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to navigate their teenage years and beyond.The Butterfly Effect Program is designed to empower girls through a series of workshops and activities that focus on personal development, self-esteem, and leadership. The program believes that empowering one girl can lead to positive changes in her life and, by extension,in her community and the world at large.

A Day of Transformation

The day began with an enthusiastic welcome from the program facilitator Francesca, who introduced the students to the goals and activities planned. The sessions were interactive and engaging, creating a safe and supportive environment where the girls felt encouraged to participate and express themselves freely. Highlights from the day:

Self-Discovery Workshops:

This session focused on self-discovery, where the girls participated in exercises designed to help them understand their strengths, passions, and values. This workshop aimed to build a strong sense of self-awareness, which is crucial for personal growth and confidence.

Journalling: 

The students created their own journals in which they could reflect and reshape their futures. This workshop allowed for informal conversations, peer bonding, and art as therapy.

Inspirational Talks: 

One of the most impactful parts of the day was the series of talks. Francesca shared her journeys, challenges, and successes, inspiring the students to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

Student Feedback: 

I like talking about what qualities we look for in friends and I liked learning all the good things people think of me. I liked making the journal.

Today I saw that I don't have to change anything, that I am beautiful, and to appreciate myself. I alsolearnt that other people care about me. My favourite thing about today was making the diary and just feeling appreciated.

Graffiti Prevention Presentation 

On the 12th April, students in Year 7 and 8 had the opportunity to watch the informative presentation teaching students about the importance of the negative behaviours surrounding graffiti and the consequences. 

Core messages for all students from the presentation: 

Raising awareness among all students is essential to foster an anti-graffiti mindset. The presentation focused on themes of respect, responsible action, and positive decision-making, which form the foundation of the anti-graffiti campaign. Throughout the presentation, students were educated about the importance of making good choices and understanding their consequences. They were also equipped with strategies to deal with peer pressure and bullying, reinforcing the idea that graffiti and vandalism hurt everyone and can lead to further at-risk behaviours. The presenter used language, humour and scenarios to engage the audience and interacted with the students to ensure the key message was received and retained.

Elderslie High’s First Ever Wellbeing Services Expo! 

The Wellbeing Team are delighted to share the highlights and successes of our recent Wellbeing Services Expo, held on the 13th June. The event was a remarkable celebration of holistic education and wellbeing, bringing together students in years 9-12 and the broader community in an exciting and informative setting in our school hall. 

A Diverse Range of Exhibitors 

We were pleased to host an impressive display of 30 exhibitors, including: Big Yellow Umbrella, BreakThru, Camden Council, Drug & Alcohol Youth Services Team, Headspace, TAFE, Uniting Youth & Homelessness Services, The Giants, Talk2MeBro and Youth Action just to name a few. Their presence greatly enriched the expo and provided students with a wealth of knowledge and resources. 

Engaging Interactive Activities 

The expo featured a range of interactive activities that catered to students in Years 9-12. The teacher versus student ice bath challenge, bean bag toss and intoxication simulation goggles were among the highlights. These activities not only promoted physical health but also encouraged social interaction. It was wonderful to see students engaging in these activities and not just receiving important information, but also having fun! 

Access to Resources and Support 

Service providers provided resources and support services, offering information on mental health counselling, substance abuse prevention, post school employment opportunities, TAFE courses and family support programs. Our students appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the services available in our community and how to access them. The availability of these resources was a crucial aspect of the expo’s success. 

A Day of Learning and Growth 

The Wellbeing Services Expo was a valuable experience for everyone involved. It provided an opportunity to connect with experts, gain new insights, and discover practical ways to enhance health and happiness. The positive feedback from students affirmed the importance of such events in fostering a strong, healthy community.

Student Versus Teachers Ice Bath Challenge 

Ice Bath Challenges are seen as a test of mental toughness and resilience, pushing individuals to endure the discomfort of extremely cold temperatures. Additionally, some do it for the health benefits and boosting the immune system. The challenge also often serves a social or charitable purpose, with participants raising awareness for various causes while engaging in a shared experience.

Talk2MeBro organised a Student versus Teacher Ice Bath challenge which was held during recess and lunch. Our participants included: Student v Matthew Sambuco (teacher), Madeline Harawira (student) v Natalie Martin (teacher), Joel Collins (student) v Bill Rennex (teacher), Tyler Lefoe (student) v Julia Stoker (teacher), Natalie Robinson (teacher) v Annie Massimiani (teacher), Max Glancey (student) v Jesse Webber (student), Wil Daley (student) v Warwick Goodsell (teacher), Kyan Walker (student) v Adrian Elphege (teacher), Ene Saipaia (student) v Isaac Rafferty (teacher). We would like to thank all of the participants and Talk2MeBro for providing the break time entertainment and demonstrating your courage! 

Special thanks! 

We would like to extend a special thank you to Simone Bourne and Alicia Neil whose dedication and hard work were instrumental in making this event possible. Without their tireless efforts, the expo would not have been the incredible success that it was! 

Check out the video below!

Updating your child’s information

Please provide Learning and Support with any recent confirmation of diagnoses or specialist reports detailing the current additional learning and health needs of your child. This will allow the school to keep our records up-to-date and identify any additional support required for your child. 

These documents can be dropped off at the front office or sent in with your child in an envelope addressed to the Learning and Support Team. You may also choose to email the documents via the school email address with ATTN: Learning and Support Team in the subject line.

Thank you,

Paula Garner

Relieving HT Welfare & Learning Support