Hello to all our students and families at Macleod College in 2026, both those already part of our school community and those who are just starting their journey with us. I joined Macleod College at the start of this year, as the Wellbeing Leader to cover Kasi Bird’s absence as she shortly starts her family leave.

It has been wonderful to get to know the students who are engaging with Wellbeing, and I would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who may be interested to connect with the team to explore the wellbeing supports that are available, both within the school and through external pathways.

There are a range of Wellbeing programs and activities already underway across the school to support our students as they settle into Term 1, with more to come. We welcome Damiano Lo Nigro into his additional role as Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader under the new Mental Health in Primary Schools program, a Department of Education wide initiative to support positive mental health outcomes within our Primary School cohort.

Our students in Grades 4 to 6, as well as our Year 7’s have participated in the Digital Thumbprint program, which has extended their knowledge of safe practices in the online world and ways to seek help when needed. I have included the useful and engaging “How secure is your password?” tool that our Primary students explored, and the eSafety Commissioner website which has a range of useful resources for students and families to help prevent and deal with online harm.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Holly Morgan

Wellbeing Leader

How secure is my password?

https://www.security.org/how-secure-is-my-password/

eSafety Commissioner

https://www.esafety.gov.au/

The details for a range of programs available in our local community are also included in this newsletter.

Banyule Youth Art work competition for youthFest
Jetts Studio Monthly Friday Drop ins
Jetts Dungeons and Dragons Monthly sessions
Headspace Autistic art Group 5 week program from 23/2/2026
What’s on at your Library

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MONTHLY FRIDAY DROP IN SESSIONS AT JETS!

Jets Studios now does drop in!

Once a month young people can now drop by Jets after school on the first Friday of the month* – no registrations required! This is a great space for young people wanting to connect outside of school, meet new people, connect with community, play games, enjoy snacks, or even play music or make art! If you would like to use a practice room, this still requires a booking.

Check out the Banyule Youth Instagram to see what is on offer each month!

WHERE: Jets Studio - 2/24 The Concord, Bundoora VIC 3083

WHEN: the first Friday of the month *unless conflicting with long weekends

UPCOMING: 13th March

TIME: 4pm to 8pm (practice rooms booked for set, 2-hour sessions)

ELIGIBILITY: aged 14-25 years + live, study, work or recreate in Banyule.

COST: FREE

Calling Young Artists: Design the next YouthFest Poster!

Submit your artwork for this year’s YouthFest Poster and you could see it on posters, stickers and bus shelters across the Banyule community, plus win $250!

All submission will receive a Banyule Youth Services merch kit.

Eligibility: Must be 12-25 years old and have a connection to Banyule

Artwork: Submissions should include just the artwork - not the entire poster. The chosen design will be shared digitally with our graphic designer. To make sure your design is compatible, please consider creating your art digitally or share a high-resolution photo or scan.

How to apply: Complete a registration form and send your artwork to jets@banyule.vic.gov.au.

Registration form: YouthFest 2026 Art Contest! – Fill out form

Submissions close: Sunday 5, April

For enquiries: Email jets@banyule.vic.gov.au

“Dungeons & Dragons” programs

Want to play D&D? Banyule Youth Services have a couple of programs throughout the year for young people join. Suitable for beginners & experienced players. For more info about these programs check out - www.banyuleyouth.com/dd

D&Dzy at Jets

Banyule Youth Services have tables for you to play our simplified version of Dungeons & Dragons. These monthly sessions will run “one shots” (a single stand-alone adventure) with opportunities for participants to be Dungeon Masters. Suitable for new & experienced players. To book in to the next session please click on the link below.

WHEN: Saturday 7th March (First Saturday of the month during school term)

WHERE: Jets Studios, Bundoora

TIME: 11am – 3pm

Contact: Lisa 0427 833 321

Bookings essential at www.banyuleyouth.com/dd

TARGET GROUP: 12-16 years

COST: FREE

GAMES TAKEOVER NIGHT

D&D tables, card games, board games & more!

AGES: 16 – 25 years

DATE: Friday 27 February (Last Friday of the month during school term)

TIME: 6pm – 9pm

WHERE: Ivanhoe library, Ivanhoe

Bookings essential at www.banyuleyouth.com/dd

HEADSPACE

Headspace Greensborough and Different Journeys are excited to bring back our Autistic Art Group for Term 1 2026!

These free groups are for autistic young people aged 12-25. Two groups 12–17 & 16-25 for young people who are keen to express themselves creatively in a safe, supportive, and inclusive space. Please note if you are 16 or 17 you can attend whichever group you prefer.

🗓 Starts Monday 23rd February

🕓 1:00 – 2:45pm (16-25 year olds)

🕓 4:00 – 5:45pm (12-17 year olds)📍 headspace Greensborough – Level 1, 78 Main St

📆 Runs for 5 weeks (every Monday)🎨 All materials are supplied – just bring yourself!

It’s all about social connection, creativity, and having fun. Spots are limited, so register early using the QR code or links here 12-17 & 16-25.

Got a question? please get in touch with us on 9433 7200

headspace Greensborough 1/78 Main Street, Greensborough VIC 3088E:headspacegreensborough@mindaustralia.org.auT: 03 9433 7200headspace.org.au

Yarra Plenty Library Service

Study and Career Conversations

11 Mar 2026 - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Ivanhoe Library

Event Registration not required

Free

Games After Dark

27 Feb 2026 - 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Watsonia Library

Free – registration required

La Trobe Master of Art Therapy student, Yasmin.

The Macleod Wellbeing Team is excited to welcome to the team Yasmin Donnelly, an Art Therapy student from La Trobe University! Yasmin will be with us until the end of 2026. If you would like to refer your child for Art Therapy sessions, please reach out to any member of the Wellbeing Team. Yasmin will be available on Tuesdays and Fridays.

A note from Yasmin:

I am a student undertaking my second art therapy placement at Macleod College. I am excited to join the wellbeing team this year on Tuesdays and Fridays. I use a person-centred approach, which means I value each person’s uniqueness. I want art therapy to be an empowering place where it’s safe to be yourself and explore creatively. Together we can discover how art therapy can support your wellbeing.

Lauren Wallis

Mental Health Practitioner

Macleod College Alumni