From the Counselling Team
- Free Webinar tonight
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- Boxercise for Fitness
- Buddies Beach Walk
- The College Counselling Team
Free Webinar - A safety guide to popular apps
The Council of Catholic School Parents are hosting a free webinar tonight from 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm - a safety guide to popular apps.
To register please use the link below:
Mental Health Awareness Month
October is National Mental Health Awareness Month here in Australia
National Mental Health Awareness Month is a campaign run by the Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA). MHFA is Australia’s oldest not-for-profit, non-governmental health organisation.
Each year MHFA dedicates a theme to represent Mental Health Awareness Month. This year’s theme is ‘Building Resilience: Communities and Connections’.
What is mental health, and why does it matter?
The World Health Organisation has defined mental health as “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, to realise their abilities, to learn well and work well, and to contribute to their communities.”
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many are still left feeling isolated.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there was a 25% increase in anxiety and depression within the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following are some statistics from the WHO’s 2022 Report – World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All:
Suicide accounts for 1 in 100 deaths globally.
1 in 8 live with a mental health condition.
In 2019, 970 million people globally were living with a mental disorder.
What can we do to help improve our mental health?
It is recommended that the following activities may help with our mental health:
* Get Active! Start exercising regularly.
*Create a healthy routine – this includes a sleeping pattern.
*Eat healthy, regular meals & stay hydrated.
*Try a relaxing activity.
*Set goals.
*Practice gratitude.
*Stay connected – by creating a supportive network.
*You can speak to one of our counselling team about working on improving your mental health by taking that first step - I need help!
Support Networks
If you or you know anyone who needs to speak to someone for professional help speak to your GP or contact the following support networks:
Beyond Blue
1300 224 636
Lifeline
13 11 14
Mr Rick Russo - School Counsellor
Boxercise for Fitness
Boxercise is back on Thursday and Friday mornings this term, starting at 7.30 am.
A special invitation is extended to any student who would like to take the opportunity improve their fitness and general well-being. I look forward to seeing as many students as possible to join us on Thursday and/or Friday morning at 7.30 am this week.
REMEMBER: HEALTHY BODY = HEALTHY MIND
Mr Rick Russo - School Counsellor
Buddies Beach Walk
Save the Date: Buddies Beach Walk
When: Sunday 6 November
Where: From Spit Bridge to Forty Baskets Beach
From: We will meet at 8.00 am at St Pius.
BYO: swimmers, towel, sun protection, drink bottle and food.
A letter will go home to students tomorrow.
Mr Rick Russo - School Counsellor
The College Counselling Team
The College Counselling Team are available to provide confidential emotional and social support and guidance for your son and family.
Mr Rick Russo - Counsellor
6 days per fortnight: every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
working with students across all year groups.
Email: rrusso@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Direct Phone: 9414 4359
Mrs Joe McCarthy - Psychologist
7 days per fortnight:
Week 1: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
Week 2: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
working with students across all year groups.
Email: jmccarthy@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Direct Phone: 9414 4322
Mrs Judy Gill - Psychologist
7 days per fortnight:
Week 1: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Week 2: Monday, Wednesday and Friday
working with students across all year groups.
Email: jgill@stpiusx.nsw.edu.au
Direct Phone: 9414 4315
The Counselling Team, together with the Diverse Learning Team, look forward to providing CONFIDENTIAL support to assist your son to build his SELF CONFIDENCE / SELF ESTEEM AND RESILIENCE within a caring, supportive Catholic school community. Please do not hesitate to make contact with any of the above team should the need arise.
Mr Rick Russo - College Counsellor/Chaplaincy Services