HPSC Newshamper

Health Space

Health Space Updates

 

Smile Squad have been on site at HPSC since May 2nd. They have seen many of the students to conduct assessments, cleaning and x-rays. They will continue at HP throughout the remainder of term 2 and for the next stage of more complex treatment will bring their dental surgery on wheels for any students who require this. We would like to thank the Smile Squad team who have been very efficient and effective in the dental care they have provided to our students. You would be surprised at how they can do such good work in such a small space in E Block!

 

 

Sick Bay Equipment

We would like to say a big thank-you to Monash Health who last year in lock down donated a hospital trolley bed for use in Sick Bay.. It is such an improvement as it wheels easily and has the option to raise both head and feet if needed – excellent for those who have leg injuries or need to sit upright during an Asthma episode. 

 

 

 

The addition of 2 recliners in Sick Bay has also been of great benefit replacing stools which were quite uncomfortable if you were feeling unwell. They are comfortable for students to rest in and easier for those who are giving treatment.  

 

Vaping

 

The school has noticed a significant increase in the number of students who have been found vaping or reported to be vaping.

 

Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is banned within four metres of an entrance to all Primary and Secondary schools in Victoria, and within the school grounds. Please also be aware that students are not permitted to engage in any smoking related activity whilst wearing school uniform. 

 

At Hampton Park Secondary College the consequences for any students found smoking are as follows: 

 

First Offence:

• Health Education with Secondary School Nurse

• Parents informed

 

Second Offence:

• Parents informed

• Detention

• Attendance monitoring

• Restricted access to school grounds during unstructured times

 

Third Offence:

• Suspension and parent meeting arranged with the Principal

 

Further information and fact sheets are available on the school website as per link: HPSC Smoking Ban Policy

 

If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact the health team at Hampton Park Secondary College via school reception on (03) 8795 9400.

 

Prue Smith                                                                   Kaye Walker

HPSC Health Centre Manager                              HPSC Health Promotion Nurse

 

 

 

Parenting Teens

 

Parenting teens can be tricky! 

Effective parenting requires an acknowledgement of what is happening developmentally. Hormones play a part in teen behaviour but they are only half the story.  The human brain is very complex and takes a long time to fully mature. Teenager’s brains are capable of high levels of complex thinking BUT they have not developed highly skilled problem-solving skills.  This most likely does not come as a surprise to you, the parent!  The frontal lobe of the brain is still far from being fully mature and this is why teenagers have great difficulty predicting consequences and making good decisions.

 

As parents/carers, it is our job to understand their difficulty and help them learn to go through a decision making process step by step. One part of their brains that has long been mature is the part that is watching you, observing how you problem-solve and handle highly emotional events.  

 

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” – James Baldwin

 

Here are a few tips to help you:

  1. Communication: Your teen is not a young child anymore. Learn to have an open and accepting communication style –Learn to respect your teen’s perspective (even if you don’t agree) and be willing to negotiate.  See poster “Figuring out what’s up with your teenager”.
  2. Avoid the teen drama pitfalls: Develop a healthy distance from the normal “teen drama” and don’t get hooked into it. But don’t condescend to your teen - this drama is real life for them.
  3. Pick your battles! Think carefully about what really matters and what doesn’t. Allow your teen room to make mistakes. Let your teen know that mistakes are how we learn. Focus on the important issues that involve safety and health. Let the little things slide.
  4. It takes a village! Be sure you have a support system for yourself that allows you to find the humour! Join a parent support group. Connect with your friends who also are raising teenagers. Attend parent education workshops that focus on adolescence for extra ideas. Schedule a session for private parent support or counselling.

It can be challenging to see your little person sprout into a sometimes surly, moody, rapidly-changing adolescent but you can be influential in guiding them through this awkward and fleeting time in their life. 

 

 

 

Upcoming Webinar for Parents:

  • May 10 - Butterfly Foundation Parent info session on body confident children and teens. Book HERE