Senior School - student wellbeing
by Ms Jess Sheppard, Head of Senior School
This term, we have a strong focus on student wellbeing in Senior School. On Monday 4 August, batyr, an organisation that aims to empower young people to talk openly about mental health, came to talk to our Year 11s and 12s. They gave students practical information to take charge of their wellbeing, like which people in their lives they can turn to for help, and which local and online organisations they can seek help from. They also learned how to protect their own mental health when friends are experiencing distress and leaning on them for support.
Additionally, on Monday 18 August, we are welcoming Scott Darlow onsite, to talk and perform to our Year 11s. Scott is an Aboriginal singer-songwriter and public speaker, who will talk to students about his indigenous culture, Australian history, racial tolerance and harmony. We hope that students enjoy Scott’s engaging presentation, and leave with a greater understanding of the importance of history and the impacts of racism in Australia.
In Year 12 Home Groups this term, students are also undertaking a unit called ‘Healthy Minds,’ where they test out different techniques to relieve stress. Throughout the term, they will be doing yoga, mindfulness activities, performing acts of kindness, exploring the power of visualisation, and understanding how dance and music can impact our moods. Students have been enjoying these engaging activities each Monday, and are hopefully learning some new bite-size ways to relieve stress in this busy term.
As well as these initiatives, our Wellbeing Hub is always available for students who are experiencing emotional distress or low wellbeing. Our wellbeing team is made up of trained counsellors, psychologists and mental health support people who are available for intake sessions if required.
The following websites have some helpful resources for parents looking to support their child’s wellbeing, many of which have been highlighted to students this term.
Student Wellbeing Hub is the Australian Government Department of Education’s online wellbeing resource for students and parents, which has information on different aspects of wellbeing for young people, including anxiety, decision-making, online safety, respectful relationships, valuing diversity, bullying, sleep, and supporting LGBTIQA+ young people and those with Autism and ADHD.
The Raising Learners podcast for parents and carers provides practical advice for supporting children’s health, wellbeing and engagement at school and home, and how to best support their learning. The first five episodes are available from podcast apps and the Raising Children Network website.
Finally, many of the help-seeking resources suggested to students, including Headspace Box Hill, eheadspace and Kids Helpline are available in this Victorian Department of Education factsheet for parents and carers who are supporting a child in emotional distress.