Student Wellbeing

Seasons for Growth at St James 

Seasons for Growth is an innovative, evidence-based change, loss and grief education program that draws on the metaphor of the seasons to understand the experience of grief. It builds the knowledge and skills necessary to strengthen social and emotional wellbeing following significant loss by:

• Exploring the impact of change and loss
• Learning about effective ways to respond and adapt

Participants learn that they are not alone in their experience of change, loss and grief, and are able to build their communication, decision making and problem solving skills within the context of a safe and supportive peer group learning environment.

All Seasons for Growth programs are grounded in sound, person-centred educational principles.

As such, our programs have been shown to be a very effective education intervention. The programs do not provide counselling or psychotherapy.

What people say about Seasons for Growth

"I felt a lot better because I was letting all the pain out.  Sometimes in school I'd feel like crying about it, and I nearly cried. Then I just held it in. But when I went to Seasons (for Growth) I could just let it out, and talk about it.  I didn't need to cry because I could talk about it" (Matt, 9).

"Having other people with the same problem to talk to has really helped" (Antonio, 12).

"My life has got worse but what Seasons for Growth has done is help me come to terms with it all.  I cope a lot better.  No matter how bad things get, I now have somebody I trust to talk to" (Emma 16).

"I'd like to think my son wasn't affected by the divorce but I know he was. The program has helped him to know that it happens in other families too" (Parent)

"The Seasons for Growth training has helped me to realise the impact that change and loss can have on a kid's behaviour at school" (Teacher)

84% of our Companions say that Seasons for Growth has changed them, particularly in relation to improving their understanding of children, and in strengthening their own personal qualities.

St James will be offering one intake of the Seasons for Growth program in term three, and a possible intake in term four, running for 8 weeks each. 

Should you wish for your child to take part please complete the following Google Form before Tuesday 20th June. https://forms.gle/UijKLUvNCyrqWEJw8

If you're wanting to find out more, and or have questions please feel free to email me. Alternatively, please come along for an Information Session and a cuppa on Monday 19th June at 9 am in the Community Centre. 

RSVP your attendance to monica.deleo@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au

Thank you for participating in National Walk Safely to School Day!

How fabulous it was to see so many students and their families walk to school, supporting the Walk Safely to School Day! Students also took part in classroom activities in the afternoon, learning about the importance of being active. They were able to acknowledge the many benefits of walking to and from school including; improving mental health and fitness, and helping the environment. Congratulations and thank you to all who took part!

Monica De Leo

Student Wellbeing Leader

monica.deleo@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au

Victorian Child Safety Standards

Here is the Catholic Education Council of Victoria's revised statement of commitment to Child Safety which we abide by: 

Support Services Available to all students and families

Parent Zone 

Parenting Programs

Parenting is the most important and challenging job in today’s rapidly changing world – but children and young people don’t come with a handbook. ParentZone supports parents, carers, and families to meet up, share and learn from each other. Anglicare Victoria understands the potential of families to shape lives. We help families to work together and create positive and long-lasting change for themselves and the community around them 

ParentZone Pods - Parenting Podcasts

In late 2021, ParentZone launched a series of parenting podcasts called ParentZone Pods on sibling rivalry, dealing with anxiety, family meetings, getting your children to listen, how to stop yelling at your kids, and how to respond to kids’ behaviour. Due to the success of these podcasts, Anglicare has decided to create another series in 2022. So, watch this space for more helpful topics to aid in your parenting! Check out all ParentZone Pods here.

Parent Resources

Click here for access to the Smiling Mind Website

Smiling Mind’s vision is to help every mind thrive. Their mission is to provide accessible life-long tools to support healthy minds.

Click here for access to the Student Wellbeing Hub Website

It includes sections for parents, teachers and students with practical strategies and resources to support your child's wellbeing.

Click here for Raising Children Network

Reliable, and up-to-date information to help your family grow and thrive together. 

Click here for access to Parenting Ideas Blog

It includes articles, testimonials and practical tips on a wide variety of topics.

Click here for Iparent - Office of eSafety Commissioner 

To learn about the digital environment and how to help your child have safe and enjoyable online experiences.

Click here for access to CatholicCare

It is a social service agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, they offer a range of programs and services that aim to build and strengthen relationships.

Click here for access to Beyond Blue

This website is regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. And you can stay up-to-date by joining our email community.

Positive Parenting Telephone Service 1800 880 660

Participants complete a workbook or online modules which are supported by weekly 30 minute phone calls with a trained parenting educator. All of this can be done from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you.

Parentline 13 22 89

Parentline is available 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. It is a confidential and anonymous phone counselling service for parents and carers of children and teenagers in Victoria.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

The Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Counselling is currently offered by phone, Webchat and email.