Wellbeing Update

You will find information in this newsletter regarding programs running for students during the holiday break and some parenting programs for Term 1 2024. There is also some valuable information regarding supports available through Feed Me Geelong.

As the end of the year approaches, families will be receiving their booklists for next year and budgeting for the costs associated with the new school year. Families who are needing support with this are encouraged to call Uniting Care on 4210 1100 before the end of the year to make an appointment to receive support for the coming year with books and uniform items. Uniting Care have been generous supporters of the students and families at Western Heights for many years, and they are currently still taking appointments. If you require further information or support, please do not hesitate to contact Jenny Eastwood at the college.

I am also putting out a request for anyone who is leaving the Western Heights College community to donate second hand uniforms items in good condition to the wellbeing team to distribute to other students. We are particularly short of items for the sporting program.

Should you have any concerns regarding your young person’s wellbeing over the holidays, please contact:

Headspace. 52226690

Barwon Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service 1300 094187

See the list of Support services included in this mewsletter

We would like to wish the entire school community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and a very restful and safe holiday break. We look forward to seeing you in 2024.

Jenny Eastwood, Chaplain

For further information and links click here: https://batforce.org.au/quick-help-guide/

Where Can I Eat - Summer 2023-2024

Holiday Programs

Parenting Regional Calendar

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION WITH 12 MONTHS FREEINTERNET AT HOME

The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative to provide free home internet for one year for up to 30,000 eligible families with school-aged students.

The initiative aims to boost education opportunities. NBN Co is leading the rollout of this initiative across the country.

How the School Student Broadband Initiative can help your child

Children who can access online learning at home as part of their education are more likely to engage in classroom activities.

Access to fast internet at home can also support children to build their digital skills, learn how to safely use the internet and take part in a world that is more reliant on digital technology.

Eligibility:

To be eligible, families must:

- have a child living at home enrolled in an Australian school in 2023

- not have an active National Broadband Network internet service at their home (having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility)

- live in a premises that can access the National Broadband Network through a standard connection. NBN Co will check this for you after you apply

- register interest with your school and complete a consent form to be assessed for eligibility.

How the School Student Broadband Initiative works

If you are eligible, your home internet service will be provided at no cost for one year with a participating internet provider over the National Broadband Network. Each internet provider has its own step-by-step process to get you connected, which may involve you providing identification.

Once you sign up, the internet provider will help you set up your connection. The initiative does not include devices such as a computer or tablet. Other members of your household can use the internet service provided through this initiative.

The one-year period will start from the day your service is activated with your chosen provider. At the end of the one-year period, you will not be placed onto a paid service by your internet provider without your consent. The Australian Government is considering options beyond the one-year free period.

How to apply

- Ask your school for a copy of the School Student Broadband Initiative consent form.

- Complete the consent form and return to the school.

- NBN Co will use student address details on the consent form to confirm eligibility.

- If you are eligible, NBN Co will issue a voucher for your family to use to sign up with a participating internet provider. This will be provided to you by your school.

Please note: NBN Co will review the home address for eligibility. No personal information other than your main home address will be shared with NBN Co. Please see the consent form for details about how personal information will be used.

Find out more

For more information about the School Student Broadband Initiative, visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au

Our Inclusion Team for 2023

Inclusive Practices Learning Specialist: Shona Scorringe

Shona is in her final year of a Master of Specialist Inclusive Education at Deakin University. She has previously taught English as an Additional Language and low literacy students in the Northern Territory and in China. Shona teaches Literacy in the Vocational Major (formerly VCAL) and is passionate about applied learning. Shona is leading our inclusion team and our transition to the Disability Inclusion reform.

Located in the Year 8/9 Building

Monday - Friday

Shona.Scorringe@education.vic.gov.au

Inclusion Support: Georgie Barker

Georgie is currently studying a Master of Disability Studies, specialising in Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Macquarie University. She also has a Master of TESOL with a background working with English as an Additional Language and low literacy students. Georgie teaches in our English domain and will be supports our Inclusion team with Student Support Group meetings and developing Individual Education Plans. She is looking forward to working with students to achieve positive learning outcomes.

PSD Coordinator, Inclusion Support: Kerryn Cramp

Kerryn has worked at Western Heights College for 23 years as an Education Assistant and as our PSD coordinator. She works in the classroom and within the Inclusion team, making referrals for assessments. Kerryn is a valuable member of our team who is passionate about the team she works with and grateful for her colleagues and students.

Located in the MYR Building

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Wellbeing Contacts:

Pastoral Care

College Chaplain: Jenny Eastwood

Located in the Purple/Grey building

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

jennifer.eastwood@education.vic.gov.au

Pastoral Care: Students, staff, parents
Loss and Grief
Management and Referrals – MHP/TGP
Mentoring Programs – GROW, RAISE, etc.

Health Promotion Nurse: Lisa Cooper

Located in the Purple/Grey building

Monday & Tuesday

lisa.cooper@education.vic.gov.au

Classroom support: sexual health, cyber health, and special programs/activities – Idahobit, diversity, etc.
Individual health support for students
Implements and leads supporting health programs – i.e., ‘Docs and Teens’
COG & Batforce liaison
Staff first aid training and other related professional learning

Mental Health Practitioner: Jordy Morgan

Located in the Admin building

Monday - Friday

Jordan.Morgan@education.vic.gov.au

Jordy has experience working with young people and adults who are experiencing a range of mental health or social difficulties.

Counselling support to young people, individually and in group settings
Support students to connect with external services
Promote mental health awareness and prevention

Barwon Community Legal Service: Emma Cvitak and Madelaine Landini

Located in the Purple/Grey Building

Mondays & Fridays

whcschoollawyer@barwoncommunitylegal.org.au

Free and confidential legal help for individual students about common legal issues, including: Family violence or trouble at home; Consent in relationships, sexting and dating; Getting official documents like birth certificates; Issues with Police or Court; Cyberbullying, harassment and online safety; Vaping, Smoking and Partying; Scams; Feeling unsafe; Issues at work; Experiencing any harm; and Fines
Classroom programs

We are here to help students understand their legal rights and responsibilities.

Koorie Engagement Support Officer: Sarah Upton

0421 780 718

Sarah.Upton@education.vic.gov.au

Sarah is a proud Gunditjmara woman who has been living in beautiful Wadawurrung country for 4 years and has been involved in the education system for several years as a generalist teacher. She has always been passionate about Koorie students achieving high outcomes during their education journey. Sarah feels fortunate to be working as a Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) within her local Aboriginal community. She is a lifelong learner and firmly believe that education is essential to building solid foundations to empower students and their families have a voice and allow them to make positive independent strong choices to benefit them in the future which will allow them to feel like they can be the best version of themselves and contribute to society in a positive manner.

Engagement and Wellbeing

Learning Community Leaders: Marli McCarthy (7), Ben Cook (8), Lucas Wintels (9), Rachel Daly & Lupcho Temelovski (10), Claire Sullivan (11), Brett Bullock (12).

Supporting students in the relevant community with a focus on attendance, engagement and wellbeing.
Leading the implementation of SWPBS and Berry Street.
Contact point with students, families and mentors

WELLBEING SUPPORTS

If you are worried about your child, or any person and their mental health and well-being outside school hours or during weekends you can contact the Barwon Health Mental Health Triage for urgent support 24/7 on 1300 094 187.

Two important messages to promote are that all of us should seek help from others when we feel down or vulnerable and that young people should tell an adult if they are worried about a friend or themselves.

Please find the following helpful numbers and websites to keep us connected and provide the support necessary to maintain positive mental and physical health:

LOCAL SUPPORTS:

Headspace Geelong – 5222 6690, www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/geelong/
Bellarine Community Health – 5253 0400, https://www.bch.org.au/services/all-services/youth-services

GENERAL:

Lifeline – call 13 11 14 for this free Australia-wide crisis support service which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week OR TEXT: 0477 13 11 14 between 6pm – midnight, 7 nights a week
Kids Help Line – call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling and advice for young people between the ages of five and 25.
Headspace – eHeadspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. (Open 9am-1am daily.
Reachout – visit their website for information, tools and support for young people with mental health issues.
Alcohol and drug foundation – free health advice for young people on alcohol and drug use, including mental health.
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 https://beyondblue.org.au (Phone support all day, every day. Online support 3pm-midnight every day).
Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467. Phone support all day, every day, and follow-up calls.

Good self-care practices are important in taking care of ourselves and our mental health. Remember, it is ok to ask for help. Take care of yourself, and each other and do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our wellbeing team in our school community if you need some additional support.

COMMUNITY

Holiday Library Activities