From the Wellbeing Team

Over the past few weeks we have had some very positive student interactions seeing how we have all adapted to Remote Learning 2.0.  

One of the great outcomes that have arisen from home learning is seeing high level competences from our young people in the positive use of technology. This is something many of us could learn from the younger people in our lives. 

Digital Drop Ins

Across the five campuses, we have been running a lot of Digital Drop Ins.  During lunchtime on different days of the week, across different campuses, our campus Wellbeing Teams have been running an online space for students to connect in, talk, socialise and have fun.  There have been some hilarious costumes worn for themed activities and plenty of games too.  I have been so impressed by the eagerness of students to jump into this space in what would have otherwise been a lunch break sitting alone (or with only a few other people).  Here is a quick video of Skye and Michelle talking about their experience of the Digital Drop In:

We have connected with students and families over the phone, with regular phone calls home to check in and see how students AND families are coping with remote learning.  I can happily say that our Wellbeing Team has enjoyed these conversations, as we have been able to speak regularly with more students and families than we might have done while onsite.  We would love to continue to have this connection with families as we gradually move back to ‘normal’ learning, and would invite anybody to pick up the phone and give us a call when you need some advice or extra support.

We are on the home stretch as we head towards school holidays in the coming weeks, and yes, that is exciting! Here are 3 tips to help get through school holidays positively with you children:

1. The best things in life are free – Have a look online to see what activities your places like your local library might be running.  There are lots of things running, click this link for more free activities if you need some inspiration:
   https://monashchildrenshospital.org/online-activities/
2. We still need routine – This might seem obvious, but most people really like routine. Keep a regular bedtime, make sure you get out of your pyjamas, and keep eating at ‘normal’ times. This will help as we soon head back to school.
3. Ask for help – sometimes we simply need some extra help.  There are plenty of great parenting groups and programs that might help you in many ways.

Download parenting programs here:

From the College Practice Nurse

Well not long until holidays start so I thought I would take the time to let you know a little of what has happened during Remote Learning 2.0:

We had 21 staff complete First Aid Training Courses – in a very socially distanced way, with masks on at all time and staff learning to bandage themselves. There were quite a few laughs throughout the 2 courses! 

Due to our socially distancing rules, at present we are unable to have large face-to-face meetings / briefings – so to comply with our Mandatory Anaphylaxis policy – I took the opportunity to record the Semester 2 Anaphylaxis briefing – I found this extremely challenging and re-recorded it more times than I would care to admit!! Staff are now able to access the recording and with a record number of training devices ordered (45 to be exact) and to be dispensed to each Campus staff will be able to practice the technique required!! Training will be complete Term 4

What's happening for Term 4?

Immunisations are booked in for: 

Year 7:

Peacock: 9 November

Wexford: 5 November

Tallis: 1 December (tentative)

Hendy: 1 December  

Year 10:

Goldsworthy: 5 November

The Barwon Health Dental Program:

Due to COVID-19 restrictions the Barwon Health ‘Wide Smiles’ Dental Van Program is unable to run at present. 

The good news is the Barwon Health Dental Care program is still available for Emergency services to both students and their families at their six sites, our closest one being in the Corio Community Health Centre on Gellibrand St. 

They look forward to continuing with the College as soon as they are able to.

If you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact me: Margi Ellison through your child’s Campus office.

Enjoy the well-earned break we all deserve!