Student Wellbeing
Welcome to the 2026 School Year!
This year, our wellbeing Newsletter will take a strong focus on key themes throughout the year. This term we will focus on digital literacy and eSafety, recognising the vital role these skills play in supporting the wellbeing of our students, families, and staff. Throughout Term 1, we will be offering a series of programs and events designed to help our community better understand the opportunities and challenges of the online world.
Recent national data shows that 96% of young people aged 10–15 use social media, and many encounter risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy breaches. With children engaging online earlier and more frequently than ever before, it is essential that both parents and young people understand how to guide safe, positive, and informed digital participation.
Our Term 1 sessions will explore key topics including online safety, privacy, healthy screen habits, and managing social media use. We will also share information about free parent webinars offered by the eSafety Commissioner and provide updates on recent changes to Australian social media and online safety laws.
We look forward to working together to build a confident, informed, and digitally resilient school community.
Parent Webinars - Term 1 Recommendations
Navigating the High School Journey
An online forum for parents and carers of our new 2026 Year 7s.
As part of our comprehensive Year 7 Transition Support Program, Student Services – Wellbeing and the Junior School team at Eltham High School work together to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all students. In continuing this commitment, we warmly invite parents and carers of 2026 Year 7 students to attend an online information session focused on supporting your young person’s wellbeing as they transition into secondary school.
This session will be presented by members of our Student Services team:
Madeline Gaitanis – Student Services Leader
Anna Jenkins – Mental Health Practitioner
Carly Young – Out-of-Home Care Counsellor and Arts Therapist
They will share insights, strategies, and practical guidance on the common challenges young people may experience during the move to high school. The session will also explore ways parents and carers can work in partnership with the school to help students feel safe, build a strong sense of connection within the school community, and engage positively in their learning and development.
Topics will include:
Common concerns for teens and parents
Managing social and friendship challenges
Managing social media and safety online
Routines, boundaries and independence
Sleep hygiene
When and where to seek support
Additional information will be sent by Kathryn Boysen to your via Compass.
eSafety Commissioner Parent Sessions: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars
This page is updated regularly with new sessions on topics such as:
Social media safety
Online friendships & bullying
Gaming and digital balance
Privacy and digital footprints
Supporting children experiencing online harm
Book Donation - VCE Books Only
As we kick off a fresh new year and crack open those crisp new textbooks, why not give your old ones a second life? Instead of letting them gather dust, consider donating them to our school community.
If you have any current VCE textbooks that you no longer need, we’d love to give them a new home. Your contribution can make a real difference in supporting the learning journey of fellow students.
Before donating, please ensure that your books are listed in the 2026 booklist and are the correct edition. Donations can be dropped off at our school Library.
If books are not listed on the current booklist or not for VCE studies we will not be able to accept the donation.
Thank you from the Library and Student Service team for helping us build a more resourceful, supportive, and connected learning environment for everyone.
MADELINE GAITANIS, Student Services and Welbeing Coordinator