Student Empowerment
Staff Professional Development “Aspergers at school - strategies to support students”.
Lyndel Kennedy, the former president of Aspergers Victoria introduced the idea of neurodiversity and how she sees it as a difference in brain wiring, not a defect. Unlike other differences such as skin colour, height, sight or physical mobility, it cannot be immediately seen. Under Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals (DSM-5), the three separate diagnoses (Autistic Disorder, Asperger syndrome and PDD_NOS) have been merged into a single diagnosis, known as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Lyndel brought our attention to some key points:
- Everyone has different abilities when it comes to social situations and expected behaviours;
- For students on the Spectrum, these can cause fears and anxieties, especially relating to transitions in life;
- Some students may not show overt behaviour at school in regards to school-related anxiety and only “let it all go at home”, making homework and family life difficult;
- Drawing on the logic of individual personal benefits and utilising their special interests can improve students’ engagement.
Lyndel also indicated that with students on the Spectrum, the parent knows your child best. So if you have any concern, please contact the school to ensure we can provide the best support for your child.
Some links you may find useful:
Positive Partnership http://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/
The Hidden Diffability http://www.blasck.com/
Parent Support Network http://psn-emr.com.au/
Education Support Officers
Ms Doreen Khor and Mrs Kathryn Wallace
Monash Youth Film Festival
Monash Youth Film Festival is back! Film maker’s entries are now open for 2016 and close Monday 1st August. MYFS are taking films 10 minutes or less from Monash film makers under the age of 26. For more information visit www.myfs.org.au
Do you want to make this year’s festival bigger and better than ever? Then join the MYFS committee and help shortlist films and organise the festival. Meetings will commence on Tuesday 19th July and the weekly commitment is only for three months. Meeting will be held at Monash Youth & Family Services (MYFS) - 14 Bogong Ave, Glen Waverley. This program is open to anyone between the ages of 12-25 years of age.
FReeZA Push Start Heat (Battle of the Bands)
It’s that time of year again! Quiksound Productions are proud to host the annual FReeZA Push Start Heat (Battle of the Bands)!
It doesn’t matter what genre you perform, or if you are a soloist, duo or band - we welcome all applications! So if you're a musical young person who lives, works, studies or recreates within the City of Monash you are already eligible to win!
Entry to the competition is free – check out the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/quiksound/ or the MYFS website for details on how to enter.
Applications close Sunday 22nd May so fill one out ASAP and you could be up on stage smashing out the tunes and competing for amazing prizes such as studio time and the opportunity to play at more gigs.
For any further information call us on 9518 3900.
Application Form
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Quiksound2016
Who's In Charge?
The Who’s in Charge? group is an 8 week program for parents or carers of young people (8 to 17 years) who are out of control, violent or defiant. Emily & Libby from Monash Youth & Family Services (MYFS) will be facilitating this program. The group aims to:
· Provide a supportive environment to share experiences and ideas
· Reduce the guilt and shame which most parents feel
· Offer ideas to help you develop individual strategies for managing your child’s behavior
· Explore ways of increasing safety and well-being
· Help you feel more in control and less stressed
This FREE program runs from 7pm to 9.30pm and starts on Thursday 21st July and finishes on 8th September 2016.
The program runs from Monash Youth & Family Services at the Batesford Community Hub, 94 Batesford Rd, Chadstone
Places are limited and bookings are essential. For enquiries or bookings, please call Emily or Libby at MYFS on 9518 3900.