Mentone Girls' Secondary College Newsletter

Wellbeing

Tip’s for keeping safe over the holiday period

As the holiday season approaches us, we would like to remind parents of a few simple tips to help keep their child/children safe over the long summer period. When your child is going out, here are some parameters you can consider for their safety:

  • Agree on times she can be outside while you are not home (and limit extended periods of time).
  • Agree on where they are allowed to go — locations that provide pseudo-supervision (such as shopping centres) are preferable to long periods of street-wandering.
  • Make sure they know not to go near people in cars who stop to talk to them (do not approach the car even if the person is speaking quietly). Explain that most adults do not ask young people for help — they usually ask other adults — so children must be wary of assisting adults when they are alone. 
  • Notice if they seem quiet or reluctant to tell you how they have spent their day.
  • Have a lock box for spare keys so they can re-enter the home.
  • Sleepovers - call the parent to confirm that there will be adult supervision. 
  • Parties or gatherings – call the parent to clarify who will be supervising, start and finish times.
  • Drop off and pick up your daughter from the venue/house.  Alternatively, arrange with another adult to do so.
  • Ensure your daughter’s mobile phone is fully charged before going out.
  • Ask your daughter for two of her friend’s phone numbers in case you can’t contact her.

How to survive exam results day

Since the last day of term, you’ve been enjoying your summer break so far in a blissful state of denial about what we all know is coming - Exam Results Day. No matter how well you think the exams went, it’s natural to feel on edge as the results day approaches, especially if your results will determine whether you can attend your chosen university, or enter your chosen career path.

 

Think positive – or distract yourself!

The night before exam results day is bound to be tense. Try to take your mind off things by doing something you enjoy, whether it’s hanging out with friends, playing games, distracting yourself with a Netflix binge or immersing yourself in a good book – basically anything that will stop you from worrying about your results.

Of course, if you’re feeling really anxious, it’s best not to bottle things up. Talk to someone about how you’re feeling, and remember that this tension will pass, and that there’s no need to be embarrassed about your feelings.

If you’re waiting to receive your results online, try not to get up at the crack of dawn to refresh the page again and again until the results appear – this will only make the wait more agonizing. Give yourself a specific time to check, and plan other activities to keep yourself occupied.

What if you don’t get the exams results you wanted?

The first thing to mention is, don’t panic! All is not lost. If you missed out on getting the scores required for a place at your ideal university. Talk to our Careers Adviser at school, and ask their advice on the next steps you could take and what pathways are available for you.

Not getting the results you wanted could even be a blessing in disguise (really). You can take the opportunity to consider alternatives, such as diplomas, apprenticeships, gap years and international study. Cheesy as it may sound, many of the best experiences in life are unplanned and unexpected, so keep an open mind. And whatever you decide, don’t beat yourself up – you still have plenty of time to achieve your goals.

 

Christine Fay

Leona Thomson

Student Wellbeing Coordinators 

Help during the holiday period

Christmas and the holiday period can be a challenge for lots of people. It's important to look after ourselves during this time.

 

24-HOUR TELEPHONE COUNSELLING

 If you need to talk to someone call:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
  • Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
  • Headspace 1800 650 890
  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

ONLINE COUNSELLING

OTHER HELPFUL SERVICES

  • Q-Life online and phone counselling for LGBTI+ people: https://qlife.org.au/
  • Sexual assault, domestic and family violence phone counselling: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) - available 24/7
  • Family Drug Support line - for families affected by drug and alcohol use: 1300 368 186 - available 24/7

Glitter Glow

Kingston Youth Advisory Committee

Applications for 2020 close on 31 January