Wellbeing News
Secondary School Nurse
My name is Alanna McCormack and I’m the Secondary School Nurse at Lyndale Secondary College. As a Secondary School Nurse, I work with the wellbeing team to improve the health and wellbeing of students by:
- Supporting students to make informed decisions about their health
- Providing students with health information
- Helping students get in touch with youth friendly local health services
- Encouraging healthier school communities
Helping reduce negative health outcomes and risk-taking behaviours among young people
What the school nurse doesn’t do:
Generally, the Secondary School Nurse does not:
- Provide first aid (this is the role of the school’s First Aider)
- Provide long term support for psychological, relationship or educational problems
- Administer medication
I am at Lyndale Secondary College every Tuesday and Thursday and students can find me in the Doctors Pod. I can also be contacted by phoning the Front Office.
National Lunchbox Week (9-15 February 2026)
National Lunchbox Week is an initiative of Nutrition Australia that aims to inspire Australian families to create enjoyable and nourishing lunchboxes. While the food your child wants to eat at school will likely change as they get older, it’s important that teenagers continue to eat food at school that provides their bodies and minds with fuel to learn, focus and be active.
Here are some nourishing grab and go options for teens that don’t need any prep and can be quickly packed into a lunchbox before they head out the door.
Anxiety & Teens
At the start of a new school year, teenagers may notice more anxious thoughts and feelings as they navigate transitions and get used to new routines.
Anxiety is our body’s way of preparing us to manage challenging situations or stress. Sometimes anxiety can help us perform better by making us feel alert and motivated. However, anxiety can also cause us to feel worried, overwhelmed or nervous.
Anxiety is something that we all experience from time to time. Anxiety can come and go but for some people, it can stick around for a long time and end up having a big impact on their daily lives.
If your child is feeling very anxious and this stops them from doing things they want to do, like coming to school or catching up with friends, there are people and services who can help. Our Wellbeing Team is available to support students from all year levels at school. In addition to the Wellbeing Team, our local headspace centre in Dandenong offers FREE support to young people aged 12-25 who are going through a tough time. They can assist in four key areas: physical health, mental health, alcohol & other drugs and work & study support.
If your child is looking for support from headspace, you can:
Students and/or parents can fill out this form to request an appointment
- Call 1800 367 968 to speak to someone to book an appointment.
- Speak to the Wellbeing Team who can support your child to make an appointment.
Headspace Dandenong- Contact details
Dandenong Hub, Level 2, 26 McCrae Street, Dandenong, Victoria 3175
Phone: 1800 367 968
Email: enquiries@headspacedandenong.com.au
If you or your child is looking for more information about mental health and wellbeing, headspace have a great range of factsheets. This factsheet for teenagers provides information about the difference between stress and anxiety, signs and symptoms of anxiety and strategies for managing anxiety.
Dandenong Youth Services Programs in March
Dandenong Youth Services have two free 4-week programs coming up in March:
Movement for Your Mind (M4YM)
M4YM is a free four-week program for young people aged 12-25, focussed on building confidence and wellbeing through sport and physical activity. Each week young people will try a new activity such as Mat Pilates, Spin Cycling, Body Combat and Zumba/Dance Fitness. This program is beginner-friendly and all materials are provided.
Date: Friday 6 March – Friday 27 March
Time: 4.30pm – 6.00pm
Duration: 1 session per week for 4 weeks (Fridays)
Location: Noble Park Aquatic Centre, 9 Memorial Drive, Noble Park
Registration: Expressions of interest in the program can be placed through this website:
Holiday Activities Committee (HAC)
HAC is an introductory leadership program for young people aged 12 – 16 (in secondary school).
The program offers young people the opportunity to:
· Develop and gain leadership, communication, and facilitation skills
· Build confidence and resilience
· Collaborate on designing a series of fun and creative activities for our school holiday activities
· Act as Peer Leaders in our upcoming school holidays
Date: Tuesday 10 March - Tuesday 31 March
Time: 4.30pm – 6.30pm
Duration: 1 session per week for 4 weeks (Tuesdays)
Location: 39 Clow Street, Dandenong
Registration: Expressions of interest in the program can be placed through this website:
