Learning and Wellbeing
Student Centred – Learning Focused – Wellbeing Driven
Welcome to 2024!
This year Francis Greenway High School has the pleasure in providing our families with free access to SchoolTV. Click on the logo below to go to our FGHS site.
Because parenting doesn’t come with instructions, SchoolTV is a wellbeing resource that can support you in the challenges relating to modern-day parenting.
This award-winning resource helps build relationships, foster connections, enable understanding and break down barriers to navigate a pathway towards better mental health and wellbeing for young people. It can assist in starting conversations on topics that are sometimes awkward or difficult to tackle.
There is an archive of reports from mental health, to diet, nutrition, social issues and many other issues that arise when parenting a teenager. You will also have access to a variety of Special Reports which take a closer look at topics such as Wellbeing, Toxic Achievement, Social Media and many other topics.
These reports are completed by leading specialists including Michael Carr-Gregg. Take a look around this great resource by clicking this link:
https://francisgre-h-schools.nsw.schooltv.me/
Peer Support
In the second last week of 2023, 47 year 8 and 9 students participated in two days of training to become Peer Support Leaders. Our 2 days involved fun activities, learning leadership skills and good food.
What is Peer Support?
The Peer Support Program is a whole-of-school approach to support students’ mental health and wellbeing. It’s a student-led program that is backed by research and endorsed by state education departments.
The program involves senior students being trained as Peer Leaders, and leading small groups of younger students in weekly/ fortnightly structured sessions.
Participating in the program equips kids and young people with the skills and tools to build strong relationships and positively navigate life. Students learn the social and emotional literacy skills to better manage life’s ups and downs.
In the coming weeks, our year 9 and 10 leaders will begin working with small groups of year 7 students during Team Time lessons.
I look forward to watching our new leaders develop their leadership skills and the year 7 students create new friendships.
Dental Visit
18th March to 25th March
Mobileyes Dental (formerly known as Teeth N Smiles) will be onsite at FGHS from Monday March 18 to March 25.
They will be offering a number of dental services to FGHS students who are eligible through the Child Dental Benefits Scheme.
As this is an optional service, you are required to complete a consent form if you wish for your child to partake of this service. IF YOU DO NOT COMPLETE A CONSENT FORM, YOU CHILD WILL NOT BE OFFERED THIS OPPORTUNITY.
All consent forms that were completed and returned in Term 4 2023, are still valid.
If you did not return your consent form last year, or you are new to our school, please complete a consent form by Monday 18 March 2024.
Please use this link to complete your form: https://www.mobileyes.com.au/dental-consent-form
Mobileyes will return in Term 4 to do eye checks for all students. More information on this to come later in the year.
The Wellbeing Barometer 2024: Special Report
The Wellbeing Barometer survey has proven to be an invaluable tool for schools, providing insights into the state of youth mental health and wellbeing. Whilst last year’s results focused the spotlight on areas of concern, there were also many highlights that demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of students and emphasised the necessity of prevention strategies.
Participating in this year's survey, will assist in identifying areas of strength and concern, as well as pinpointing opportunities for early intervention. Previously gathered information has helped support families as they navigate difficult conversations that enable understanding and foster connections to build relationships.
This survey is part of an ongoing, longitudinal study, with the results being instrumental in tailoring support for students and their families. Participation is strongly encouraged, as it provides a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements over the past year. Its aim is to capture a comprehensive picture of young people's lives, allowing for a tailored approach to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.
We encourage you to take a few moments to complete a survey for each of your children. This will help us determine the nature and extent of your concerns and how best to support families in the months ahead. Responses remain anonymous and will only be reported on an aggregated basis. You are asked to base your responses on observations made in thelast 12 months.
Acquiring the skills for future independence, taking healthy risks, and giving young people the opportunity to emancipate from parents, are key developmental tasks that are essential if we are to stave off the impact of mental illness in the future. Please reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.
If this raises any concerns for you or your child, please reach out to the school or seek professional medical advice.
You can access the Special Report and the survey by clicking on the following link:
Hayley Dibley
Head Teacher
Learning and Wellbeing Faculty