In the Know

From the Leadership Team

Matt Brinson, Head of Senior School 

Mental Health First Aid 

Recently, I sent a letter to all families in the Senior School addressing the emerging health risks for young people, specifically vaping and nicotine addiction. I addressed the fact that it is our responsibility to educate and guide students in making informed decisions about their health. 

 

As part of our commitment to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment, we believe it is crucial to address not only physical health, but also mental health. 

 

Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall wellness, and just as we learn basic first aid to help someone with a physical injury, mental health first aid enables us to respond effectively and compassionately to those experiencing mental health challenges.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID FOR STAFF

Over the next few weeks, Junior and Senior School teaching staff and some general staff will be completing the Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) program. 

Mental health first aid is the initial help offered to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. It is designed for adults who interact with adolescents and can equip responsible adults to recognise and respond to mental health problems, refer a young person to professional help if needed, and provide ongoing support without taking on the role of a counsellor.

 

 

 

 

 

WHY YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AID MATTERS

  1. Reduces stigma - YMHFA promotes an environment of understanding and empathy, reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. By encouraging open conversations and providing support, we can create a culture where seeking help for mental health concerns is seen as a sign of strength.
  2. Early intervention - YMHFA allows for early identification when someone is struggling with their mental health. By recognising the signs and symptoms of mental distress, staff can provide timely support and help prevent the situation from escalating.
  3. Promotes recovery - Just as physical first aid aims to alleviate pain and discomfort, YMHFA aims to support individuals in distress, promote recovery, and enhance overall wellbeing. It will equip staff with skills to provide comfort, reassurance, and appropriate resources to those who need it most.
  4. Builds resilience - By fostering a school community trained in YMHFA, we empower individuals to build their resilience and support one another. Students and staff alike gain valuable skills to navigate challenges, cope with stress, and seek help when necessary.

YMHFA will enable us to develop a deeper understanding of youth mental health, and staff members can therefore build stronger and more empathetic connections with students. By investing in YMHFA training for our staff, we are taking a proactive step towards creating a more compassionate and supportive school community. 

Staffing news

We will farewell Carmel Slater, Head of Keyboard, at the end of term. Carmel has been at Kilvington since 2018 and has made significant contributions to the Music Department. Carmel has accepted a position at Newhaven College on Phillip Island to be closer to her family. We wish her the very best.

 

We thank Ann Shandley, who has done a wonderful job this term as a Food Technology Assistant while Linda Farragher has been on Long Service Leave. We will farewell her at the end of term.

 

We will also farewell Monique Alexander, School Psychologist, at the end of the first week of Term 3. Monique has been with us for five years and has provided outstanding support to students, families and staff through some challenging years. Monique has been offered a role with Monash University and we wish her the best for the future.

 

In Term 3, we will welcome Mark Linton-Smith as a Humanities Teacher in the Senior School to replace Eleanor Szpak who will be on Maternity Leave. Mark has been working for Randstadt and Tradewinds as a Casual Replacement Teacher, and before this was a teacher at Cheder Levi Yitzchok School in St Kilda. He has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Melbourne.

 

We will also welcome Emma McLaren who will be replacing Kylie Burns in Term 3 as a PE and Health Teacher while Kylie is on Long Service Leave.  Students will know Emma as a regular Sports Coach at Kilvington. She has recently completed her Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) from Monash University.

 

Kate Cole will commence in Term 3 as Head of Keyboard in the Music Department. Kate has extensive experience in music leadership and coordination roles in both school and community settings, including Head of Keyboard positions at Korowa Anglican Girls’ School and The Essington School in Darwin. She has a Bachelor of Music majoring in Performance from CQ University.