Western Heights College Newsletter

WELLBEING

Wellbeing Update

 

It has been great to see students back at school and engaging with their learning following the recent school holidays. The wellbeing team have been busy organising a number of initiatives to foster wellbeing amongst our students

 

All Year 10 students took part in the full day respectful relationships program called Love Bites throughout this week .

 

There will be a new Empower small group program commencing next week facilitated by 2 workers from the Geelong Project team. This program will run for 5 weeks and consist of 8-10 Year 7 and 8 students, and focuses on understanding anxiety and strategies for managing it.  The Raise Mentoring program continues this term and is very well attended and appreciated by the students involved.

 

There are a number of other small groups initiated by the Inclusion team addressing friendship skills and martial arts, and another being run by the ICAN Network.

 

Should you have any concerns regarding the wellbeing of your student, please contact their Learning Community Leader or a member of the Wellbeing Team at the school

 

Jenny Eastwood, Chaplain

Youth Engagement meeting 

During the meeting with the Geelong minister, we focused on several key issues related to the impact of COVID-19 on the community. We discussed the rising levels of social anxiety, particularly among individuals who have experienced prolonged periods of isolation and limited social interactions. Furthermore, we highlighted the concerning trend of students feeling discouraged from attending school due to health concerns and the potential disruption caused by the pandemic. The fear of pursuing higher education and concerns regarding housing and independent living were also addressed, as these uncertainties have contributed to increased stress and anxiety among young adults. Lastly, we emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support, as the pandemic has led to a significant decline in overall mental well-being. Together, we explored strategies and initiatives aimed at mitigating these challenges and fostering resilience within the community.

 

We strongly encourage year 11 and 12 students to voice their concerns and observations regarding our school community. Your perspectives are invaluable in shaping a supportive and inclusive environment for all. By speaking out, you can contribute to positive changes that address issues such as mental health, academic support, social dynamics, and overall student well-being. Your insights will help us understand the specific challenges you face and enable us to develop targeted strategies to enhance the school experience. Remember, your voice matters, and we are here to listen, support, and collaborate with you to create a better educational environment for everyone.

 

A link to the survey can be found here: Youth engagement survey (dese.gov.au)

 

Stephanie Whatley, Year 11 Student 

Keeping Compass Green

The Engagement and Wellbeing team started the year off on making Compass Green. This

 means acknowledging ‘school wide positive behaviours’ and awarding students with green chronical entries linked to the school values of Community, Courage and Integrity. Points are collected across the houses each term. The house that wins will receive a special lunch at the end of the term. Parents/guardians can go onto Compass to see your if your child has received a green chronical entry and chat about what they mean. Each of the year levels celebrate these entries in mentor groups and individual achievements in assemblies. 

Attendance

Daily school attendance is important for young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally. Young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification, have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives.

 

Our college places great importance in all students being at school on time, every day the school is open for instruction.

 

We understand that sometimes getting your child to school may be difficult and our college is very happy to work with you to improve your child’s attendance.

 

If you would like to discuss this further, please contact me on (03) 5277 1177.

 

Thank you.

 

Sonia Raschilla, Head of First Aid and Attendance

Our Inclusion Team for 2023

 

Inclusive Practices Learning Specialist: Shona Scorringe

Shona is in her final year of a Master of Specialist Inclusive Education at Deakin University. She has previously taught English as an Additional Language and low literacy students in the Northern Territory and in China. Shona teaches Literacy in the Vocational Major (formerly VCAL) and is passionate about applied learning. Shona is leading our inclusion team and our transition to the Disability Inclusion reform.

 

Located in the Year 8/9 Building 

Monday - Friday

Shona.Scorringe@education.vic.gov.au

 

Inclusion Support: Georgie Barker

Georgie is currently studying a Master of Disability Studies, specialising in Deaf and Hard of Hearing at Macquarie University. She also has a Master of TESOL with a background working with English as an Additional Language and low literacy students. Georgie teaches in our English domain and will be supports our Inclusion team with Student Support Group meetings and developing Individual Education Plans. She is looking forward to working with students to achieve positive learning outcomes.

 

PSD Coordinator, Inclusion Support: Kerryn Cramp  

Kerryn has worked at Western Heights College for 23 years as an Education Assistant and as our PSD coordinator. She works in the classroom and within the Inclusion team, making referrals for assessments. Kerryn is a valuable member of our team who is passionate about the team she works with and grateful for her colleagues and students.

 

Located in the MYR Building

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

 

Wellbeing Contacts:

Pastoral Care

College Chaplain: Jenny Eastwood 

Located in the Purple/Grey building 

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

jennifer.eastwood@education.vic.gov.au  

  • Pastoral Care: Students, staff, parents
  • Loss and Grief 
  • Management and Referrals – MHP/TGP
  • Mentoring Programs – GROW, RAISE, etc. 

Health Promotion Nurse: Lisa Cooper

Located in the Purple/Grey building

Monday & Tuesday

lisa.cooper@education.vic.gov.au

  • Classroom support: sexual health, cyber health, and special programs/activities – Idahobit, diversity, etc. 
  • Individual health support for students
  • Implements and leads supporting health programs – i.e., ‘Docs and Teens’
  • COG & Batforce liaison 
  • Staff first aid training and other related professional learning

Mental Health Practitioner: Jordy Morgan

Located in the Admin building

Monday - Friday

Jordan.Morgan@education.vic.gov.au

Jordy has experience working with young people and adults who are experiencing a range of mental health or social difficulties. 

  • Counselling support to young people, individually and in group settings
  • Support students to connect with external services
  • Promote mental health awareness and prevention

Barwon Community Legal Service: Emma Cvitak and Madelaine Landini

Located in the Purple/Grey Building

Mondays & Fridays

whcschoollawyer@barwoncommunitylegal.org.au

  • Free and confidential legal help for individual students about common legal issues, including: Family violence or trouble at home; Consent in relationships, sexting and dating; Getting official documents like birth certificates; Issues with Police or Court; Cyberbullying, harassment and online safety; Vaping, Smoking and Partying; Scams; Feeling unsafe; Issues at work; Experiencing any harm; and Fines
  • Classroom programs

We are here to help students understand their legal rights and responsibilities. 

 

Koorie Engagement Support Officer: Sarah Upton

0421 780 718 

Sarah.Upton@education.vic.gov.au 

Sarah is a proud Gunditjmara woman who has been living in beautiful Wadawurrung country

 for 4 years and has been involved in the education system for several years as a generalist teacher. She has always been passionate about Koorie students achieving high outcomes during their education journey.  Sarah feels fortunate to be working as a Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) within her local Aboriginal community. She is a lifelong learner and firmly believe that education is essential to building solid foundations to empower students and their families have a voice and allow them to make positive independent strong choices to benefit them in the future which will allow them to feel like they can be the best version of themselves and contribute to society in a positive manner. 

 

 

Engagement and Wellbeing 

Learning Community Leaders: Marli McCarthy (7), Ben Cook (8), Louise Van Dugteren (9), Roger Conron(10), Claire Sullivan (11), Brett Bullock (12).  

  • Supporting students in the relevant community with a focus on attendance, engagement and wellbeing.
  • Leading the implementation of SWPBS and Berry Street.
  • Contact point with students, families and mentors

WELLBEING SUPPORTS

 

If you are worried about your child, or any person and their mental health and well-being outside school hours or during weekends you can contact the Barwon Health Mental Health Triage for urgent support 24/7 on 1300 094 187.

 

Two important messages to promote are that all of us should seek help from others when we feel down or vulnerable and that young people should tell an adult if they are worried about a friend or themselves.

 

Please find the following helpful numbers and websites to keep us connected and provide the support necessary to maintain positive mental and physical health: 

 

LOCAL SUPPORTS:

 GENERAL:

  • Lifeline – call 13 11 14 for this free Australia-wide crisis support service which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week OR TEXT: 0477 13 11 14 between 6pm – midnight, 7 nights a week
  • Kids Help Line – call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling and advice for young people between the ages of five and 25.
  • Headspace – eHeadspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation providing early intervention mental health services to 12-25 year olds. (Open 9am-1am daily.
  • Reachout – visit their website for information, tools and support for young people with mental health issues.
  • Alcohol and drug foundation – free health advice for young people on alcohol and drug use, including mental health.
  • Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 https://beyondblue.org.au (Phone support all day, every day. Online support 3pm-midnight every day).
  • Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467. Phone support all day, every day, and follow-up calls.

Good self-care practices are important in taking care of ourselves and our mental health. Remember, it is ok to ask for help. Take care of yourself, and each other and do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our wellbeing team in our school community if you need some additional support.