Wellbeing

Those first 6 months of the year have flown by!

Now that the colder weather has arrived, it is a timely reminder to us all to make sure we look after ourselves.  Healthy food, exercise, a good night’s sleep, good hygiene practices and the right clothing for the weather are a great start to helping our bodies keep those nasty coughs and colds away.

Throughout Terms 1 and 2, we have been undertaking individual, confidential transition check-ins with all of our Year 7 students.  This is an introduction to what a counselling session looks like with the wellbeing team and is an opportunity for us to find out directly from the student what they are enjoying about high school and what they may be finding challenging.  They are offered ongoing support if they would like it otherwise, they are welcome to come back and seek support anytime in the future.  

The following Tier 2 group workshops are running throughout Term 2:

Secret Agent Society - Dan Ferdinands and Nicole Huang are running a 9-week program for a small group of four students from Year 7 and Year 8 with diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder, developing social skills and the ability to recognise and decipher others' emotions.  

Social Stencil - Nella Foley and Donna Hurst are running a 7-week program on Wednesdays with eight boys in Year 7 developing their social skills, peer relationship skills, social and emotional literacy and personal development.  In Term 3, this same 8-week program will run with a Year 7 girls group.  

Social Skills - organised by myself with the Department of Education Secondary School Nurse program, this 5-week program runs with a group of Year 8 boys and girls developing their social skills, peer relationship skills, social and emotional literacy and personal development.  

RAISE Mentoring Program - this 17-week program has been organised by Brooke Matthews (Assistant Principal) and me with 14 students from Years 8 and 9.  It is facilitated by RAISE  and the volunteer mentors who come in each Wednesday afternoon and spend 1:1 time with their mentee in the Library.  This is an evidence-based program that has been successful for many young people.

Breakfast Club

Don't forget about our Breakfast Club, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8.15am to 8.45am, offering cheese toasties and fruit cups. We also have free apples available in the front office for all students, and we kindly ask that they be mindful of where they dispose of apple cores. Organic waste bins are conveniently placed throughout the school grounds, particularly in the large courtyard outside the canteen.

Maths Club

For those needing extra help, students can get assistance with Maths every Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3.15pm to 4.00pm in B1 and/or B2. Please speak to your child's Maths teacher if you would like to know more.

If you would like to arrange wellbeing support for your child with one of our counsellors or our provisional psychologist, please contact me or the Director of the relevant sub-school/coordinator.

We can also support families with access to books and uniforms through State Schools Relief and the Les Twentyman Foundation.  Again, please contact me or your child’s Director of Sub-school/coordinator to let them know which items you require. 

Thank you for your continued support. Let's make this a fantastic term together.

Warm regards

Kerri Haworth

Director of  Wellbeing

Meet the team for 2025

Kerri Haworth                                Nella Foley                                       Dan Ferdinands

Director of Wellbeing                  Mental Health Practitioner         Youth Engagement Officer

(Monday - Friday)                         (Monday - Thursday)                     (Monday - Friday)

     Jane O'Callaghan                          Nicole Huang                         Donna Hurst                      

    Youth Worker Les Foundation   Counsellor                               Counsellor

     (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday    (Friday)                                      (Tuesday and Wednesday)

       and Friday)

                                                              Patty

                                                              Therapy Dog

                                                               (various days)

Wellbeing Contact Form

Contact our Cheltenham Secondary College Wellbeing team directly with any concerns or issues and one of the team will get back to you. The form can be accessed here.

Helpful Contacts

Headspace

http://www.headspace.org.au/

Headspace Centres can be a one-stop shop for all young people who just need some help with everyday stuff or wellbeing and physical health. 

Kids Helpline

https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Kids Helpline is across Australia, it is free, private and confidential 24/7. Mainly for young people aged 5 to age 25.

Call them on.. 1800 55 1800

Lifeline

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Provides all Australians everywhere experiencing a personal crisis allowing 24-hour support. Call them on.. 13 11 14

Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Provides information and support which helps tackle head-on the effects of mental health issues no matter where or what age. 

Call them on.. 1300 22 4636

Parentline

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/serviceprofiles/parentline-service

Fantastic service for parents and carers of young children from a few days of age all the way up to 18-year-olds. This service offers counselling and support which is confidential and anonymous on all issues around parenting.  Call them on...13 22 89.