Wellbeing

Year 7 & Year 10 Immunisations

Pakenham Secondary College takes the health and wellbeing of its students very seriously. In cooperation with the Cardinia Shire Immunisation Program, Year 7 students will receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine and the Diptheria-Tetanus-Whooping Cough (DTP) Booster Vaccine. The Year 10 students will receive the Meningococcal ACWY.

The dates for these are as follows:

Year 10 students Meningococcal ACWY - Wednesday 3rd May 2023

Year 7 students Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Diptheria-Tetnus-Pertussus (DTP) - Wednesday 31st May 2023

If you haven't returned your immunisation form to the general office, please do so as soon as possible.

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) VACCINE UPDATE

From 6th February 2023, the dosing schedule for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil®9, has changed from two doses to a single dose for most people. The schedule has not changed for immunocompromised people, who may still need three doses of HPV vaccine. The change is based on advice that a single dose of HPV vaccine provides about the same protection as two doses. You can find out more information at the Better Health Channel here.

What do you need to do?

Your council immunisation service will seek your consent for vaccinations given at school as usual. If you have already given consent for your child’s HPV vaccination, and agree to your child having a single dose of Gardasil®9 vaccine instead of the previous two doses, you do not need to take any further action.

If you would like to discuss the change, or clarify any information contained in this message please contact your local council before your child’s vaccination session.

Cardinia Shire Council

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au

1300 787 624

Sleep health for students

While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.

Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds and half of 16- to 17-year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.

Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:

Low mood and irritability during social interactions
Reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed
Falling asleep during the day
Difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up
Changes to communicating or interacting at home.

You can help your child to improve their sleep by:

Establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine
Supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed
Encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep
Encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed.

If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening unrefreshed, despite getting adequate length sleep, they should see a doctor.

For more information on sleep health, you can refer to:

Sleep tips for children and Facts about sleep for parents and school staff, from the Sleep Health Foundation
Why sleep is so important, from the Kids Helpline’s
Sleep explained, from the Better Health Channel.

Events

Virtual Chill Out returns! A relaxing, chilled out space featuring creative prompts and activities. Young people can tune in and get involved in the activities, sit back and chat – OR just enjoy the chill tunes. Choose your own adventure!

Max - Our Wellbeing Dog

This term we have welcomed our wonderful wellbeing dog, Max, to our College. Dogs provide emotional support, give people an opportunity for connection and can help with stress and anxiety. In the short time that Max has been part of our community he has already provided emotional support to students and we are looking forward to next term when he will be integrated fully into our College schedule.

If you would like to read more about the program (and Max), please visit our website at: pakenhamsc.vic.edu.au/wellbeing-dog

Important Information on Vaping

Health Clinic during term time

Support Services

If you feel like you could do with the support of a professional, help is always available.

MyPlace - Cardinia - 1800 496 884
Youth Counselling and Support Service - Casey - 9792 7279
Coronavirus Health Information Line · 1800 020 080 · Call if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
LifeLine - 13 11 14 - Provides counselling, information and referrals for people experiencing a personal crisis. Click here for the link.
Beyond Blue - 1300 224 636 - Provides advice and support for people experiencing depression and anxiety. Click here for the link
Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467 - Provides free counselling for anyone (15 years+) who is suicidal or affected by suicide.
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 - Provides free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling services specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25. Click here for the link.
E-HeadSpace - Provides free online or telephone support with a clinician via an online chat. This service is available for 12–25-year-olds, Click here for the link.
Reachout - Click here for the link.