Pastoral Care and Wellbeing News

As you are all aware, we are in extraordinary times. How we best care for each other, and ourselves, is paramount. 

Our last Newsletter provided a number of supports and information that may be helpful at this time and beyond, so I have again included them at the end. If there are any further types of support, information or resources we can provide, please let me know. 

SWPBS (School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports)

Respect, Commit, Be Grateful

Our SWPBS Framework applies to all areas of our lives, not just school. It outlines ways we can show respect, commitment and gratitude. Please refer to our Matrix when discussing this in context to situations, events and experiences with your students. Our Matrix is just as relevant and vital as we undertake remote learning. 

SchoolTV

SchoolTV have released information and resources based on coronavirus and Remote Learning. Additionally, SchoolTV has an incredibly detailed catalogue of articles, clips, resources and support on a range of topics that can be accessed as outlined below. 

The link is available on PAM/SIMON, our website and below.

https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/launch

Social Media

It is a timely reminder to ensure that if your students have access to social media, that there are discussions around rules and social etiquette. At St. Joseph’s we encourage and teach our students to PAUSE (Is it Positive, Accurate, Useful, Supportive and Ethical?) before posting or sending. 

It is important that we have regular conversations to assist our students in navigating social media and providing support and resources that enable them to develop and enhance their skills and be a positive force on social media platforms and in the online world. 

Please remember that the minimum age for Social Media platforms is 13. 

There are some fantastic resources available at:

esafety.gov.au

https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/

Online Course (Anxiety):

The BRAVE program is a free online program that provides young people with information and skills to build strategies that assist coping with worries and anxiety. This program includes 10 sessions to work through in your own time, and at your own pace. There is also a seven session program for parents who might be interested in helping their child cope with worries or anxiety.

To complete the free program, follow this link:

https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/teen-program

Some additional resources and supports:

Websites:

BIte Back:     https://www.biteback.org.au/                       

Beyond Blue:    https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Life Line:     https://www.lifeline.org.au/             13 11 14 

Kids Help Line:    https://kidshelpline.com.au/     1800 55 1800

Local Face to Face Direct Support:

Echuca-Moama and surrounds has a variety of psychologists, social workers and counsellors that provide support to community members for issues relating to mental health, relationships, anxiety, stress and mood disorders. Grief and loss, self esteem and a range of other issues. People may obtain a mental health care plan through their GP to receive a number of fee subsidised appointments.

Thrive Wellness & Consulting                              Ph: 5482 3143

N8 Health (Psychology)                                          Ph: 5480 2981

Echuca Primary Care Clinic (Counselling)      Ph: 5485 5800

Country Wide Psychology & Counselling        Ph: 5480 0622.

In the event of a mental health emergency, please contact:

• Victorian residents (Mental Health triage)      1300 363 788
• NSW residents (Access Line)                                 1800 011 511,

Or attend your local emergency department for assessment. 

Apps:

Self Help for Anxiety Management (SAM): Offers a range of self-help methods to help you manage anxiety. It has been developed by psychologists and provides 25 self-help options on anxiety, relaxation and health. You are encouraged to use the resources and tools in SAM to build your own anxiety toolkit that will help you cope when you're feeling anxious. 

MoodMission: Helps you learn new and better ways of coping with low moods and anxiety. Tell MoodMission how you’re feeling and it will give you a tailored list of Five Missions that can help you feel better. Missions are activities and mental health strategies that are quick, easily achievable, and backed up by scientific evidence.

Smiling Mind: Is a meditation app for young people. It has been developed by a team of psychologists and uses mindfulness to boost calmness, contentment and clarity. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help manage stress, resilience, anxiety, depression and improve general health and wellbeing.

Calm Harm: Provides tasks that help you resist or manage the urge to self harm. You can add your own tasks too and it's completely private and password protected.

Headspace: Is meditation made simple. The app takes you through the basics of meditation, with progress pages to track your stats and reminders to help you with your practice.

The Check-in: Is for anyone who wants to check in with a friend but is concerned about saying the wrong thing or making the situation worse.

Recovery Record: Can help you manage your journey to recovery from eating disorders. You can keep track of your progress, get affirmations, set personalised reminders schedules and use other self-help activities.

Breakup Shakeup: Provides ideas for fun, easy things to do to help you cope after a breakup. The app teaches you that planning activities and increasing your social support will help you recover faster.