Wellbeing update
Koonung Secondary College
Term 2 Wellbeing Update
Across Term 2, the Wellbeing team has continued to implement a range of programs and offerings to support student engagement and overall social and emotional wellbeing. As well as being involved in our usual programs including Study and Snack, Wellbeing Wednesday and Breakfast Club (hello, pancakes!) the team has also been involved in a range of activities this term including events for National Reconciliation Week and Live Life. We are grateful for the opportunities to offer a range of programs and supports to the Koonung Community.
Program Updates
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Throughout Term 2, Emily and Eryn have been running Teen Mental Health First Aid with the Year 8 cohort. This program is designed to teach students to recognise signs and symptoms of when a friend may be developing a mental health problem or a mental health crisis and how to connect them with a trusted adult. This program aligns with our whole school approach to wellbeing and supports early intervention and help seeking in our school community. The Teen Mental Health First Aid Action Plan is a tool for students to use to support their friends and is a valuable tool to take with them into the future.
The Confidence Project
This term, a small group of Year 9 girls have been participating in The Confidence Project, a program designed to help students build self-confidence, resilience, and positive self-belief.
Throughout the program, students have explored topics such as self-esteem, personal strengths, managing challenges, positive relationships, and goal setting. Through engaging discussions, practical activities, and opportunities for reflection, participants have developed valuable skills to support their wellbeing both at school and beyond.
Culture Club Update Term 2 2026
Culture Club is a bi-weekly group led by the schools two international captains, Hailey year 9 and Tommy, year 12. The purpose of the club is to celebrate the over 30 different cultural backgrounds and traditions represented by the student body. The group promotes inclusion, intercultural understanding and provides a space for students from diverse backgrounds to share their cultures. You can follow the Culture Club Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/koonungcultureclub/
This term we heard from Adi and Dylan who shared their family history and story of how they came to Australia from India, Anne Jenkins, Koorie Education Support gave a talk about the local Aboriginal community, Mr Jordan Dunn, sport teacher, spoke about AFL and Nick and Renos spoke about their Greek culture and provided some tasty Greek cakes to sample.
The student attendance at Culture Club has been high, particularly when food is being offered!
If you would like to present at Culture Club or have some ideas of cultures we can feature, please email Liz with your ideas to Elizabeth.senior@education.vic.gov.au Future ideas for Culture Club include Samoan Culture, Filipino Culture, Basketball and Chinese Culture.
School Holidays @ Creative Whitehorse
Creative Whitehorse through Whitehorse Council is running a range of activities for young people over the school holiday period. Check it out and join in the fun.
What's On | Creative Whitehorse
Youth Pottery Wheel
What: In this workshop you will learn fundamental wheel-throwing techniques, including wedging, centering and forming vessels. Whether you are a beginner or looking to build on your skills, this workshop is for everyone.
Who: 12–18 years old
When: Sunday 14 June 2026, 10:30am - 12pm
Where: Box Hill Community Arts Centre
Tickets: $55
Book: Youth Pottery Wheel | Creative Whitehorse
Manga Drawing for Kids and Teens
What: In this fun and creative course, you’ll learn how to plan, draw and finish your own manga-style comic. Perfect for young artists who love drawing, storytelling and comics! All materials included.
Who: 9+ years old
When: Sunday 14 June and 21 June, 1pm - 3pm
Where: Box Hill Community Arts Centre
Tickets: $80
Book: Manga Drawing for Kids & Teens | Creative Whitehorse
Wishing all in our Koonung Community a happy and safe holiday break. We this is a meaningful time to rest reset and reflect on a big semester 1!
If you feel you need supports over the holiday break, you can follow any of the below links to access services for more support.
The Wellbeing Team
Clubs
Study and Snack – Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3pm-4pm in A5
Breakfast Club – Wednesdays, 8:15am-8:40am – in Food Tech
Wellbeing Wednesday – Every Wednesday lunchtime in the Wellbeing Office
Culture Club – Every Second Thursday lunchtime in A5
Team contacts
As always, you can always reach out to the team for further support.
Emily Ridgwell – emily.ridgwell@education.vic.gov.au
Eryn Tyler – eryn.tyler@education.vic.gov.au
Ella Cogger – ella.cogger@education.vic.gov.au
Liz Senior – Elizabeth.senior@education.vic.gov.au
