I can only say it has been a very interesting and challenging term. Once again, I thank all members of the school community - parents/carers, students, teachers and education support staff for the enormous effort that was made during the time of remote learning.

I believe that our students have done the best they can given some of their circumstances. Our teaching staff has continued to work with great commitment to deliver the essential aspects of each curriculum area.

As we head into the mid-year break I encourage all members of the school community to continue employing all of the excellent practices around wearing masks; physical distancing, health and hygiene, in order to keep families and friends safe these holidays.

It’s also important that we are spending time resting and recuperating and getting ourselves ready for term 3 and all the exciting activities that will be coming up.

The school buildings are progressing and are on track for late October. Every day we arrive and see further developments and changes to the build. In this issue of the newsletter we have added some images to show how its progressing.

The Greensborough College sports precinct is now complete and students are using these facilities in classes. Students now have access to the oval at recess and lunch. It is really exciting that Greensborough College has these amazing, new facilities for students to use.

Please see below details of some wellbeing supports for students during the school holidays.

Finally, if you are taking some time off to go away please stay safe and take care and we look forward to seeing you all back in term 3.

Take care and see you all back in Term 3.

Glenn Jenner,

Acting Principal

Wellbeing support for students during the school holidays

This guide provides tips and resources for parents, carers and families to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in their care during the school holidays. This includes services to reach out to if more support is needed.

Actions that support positive mental health

Exercise boosts mood and mental health – make it fun!
Eating healthily to improve mood
Prioritise sleep to support mental and emotional wellbeing
Explore relaxation techniques and coping strategies
Stay in touch and catch up with friends and loved ones
Make time to do things they enjoy
Practice positive self-talk and remember they are not alone
Seek professional help if needed.

The Department have developed wellbeing activities and conversation starters for parents and carers of primary school-aged children and secondary school-aged children.

Feeling it: mindfulness resources and activities for senior secondary students: Smiling Mind gives tips on self-care, understanding and managing emotions, being mindful, being kind to yourself, navigating uncertainty and preparing for change.

Signs a child or young person may need mental health support.

In some cases, these actions will not be enough to support positive mental health.

Keep an eye out and seek professional help for changes that last two or more weeks such as:

Loss of interest or involvement in activities normally enjoyed
Feeling ‘low’, unusually stressed or worried
Ordinary things get harder
Being easily irritated or angry
Taking more dangerous risks, like using alcohol or drugs
Withdrawal or feeling overwhelmed
Difficulties with concentration and motivation
Having a lot of negative thoughts
Changing in sleeping and eating

Young people supporting each other

Young people are most likely to turn to each other for support before seeking out an adult or service provider.

Young people can support each other by:

contacting 000 if a friend needs urgent assistance or is at risk of harming themselves or others
reaching out to a friend, offering support and letting them know you care
letting their friend know they may need to tell a trusted adult about their concerns.
Having these types of conversations can be difficult for young people. Information for young people on how to support a friend is available on the headspace website: How to help a friend going through a tough time.

Mental Health Support

Headspace Counselling:

Victorian Government secondary school students including those who have just finished schooling can access counselling services from headspace. During the holidays, students can self-refer by calling their local Headspace Centre.

Resources

eheadspace, online and phone counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 and their families: 1800 650 890 www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace
Kids Helpline, online and phone counselling for young people aged 5 to 25: 1800 551 800 www.kidshelpline.com.au
Lifeline, crisis support and suicide prevention for all Australians: 13 11 14 www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue, online and phone support service for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety and their families: 1300 224 636 www.beyondblue.org.au (including translated resources to help parents and families support young people’s mental health).
Head to Help, digital mental health resources from Australian organisations: 1800 595 212 www.headtohelp.org.au/
Suicide Call Back Service, online, phone and video counselling for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts: 1300 659 467 www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
contacting 000 if you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others.
Safe Steps, support for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence: 1800 015 188 www.safesteps.org.au
1800RESPECT, sexual assault, domestic family violence counselling service (including information in 28 different languages): 1800 737 732 www.1800respect.org.au
What’s okay at home, a domestic violence resources centre: www.woah.org.au
Getting a mental health care plan (ReachOut)
How to help when someone is suicidal (SANE Australia)
Mental Health Toolkit: contains resources for students, parents and carers to support the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people in their care including:
Raising Learners Podcast Series: providing expert advice/information to parents/carers on topics including how to keep your child safe online.

Building Update