Deputy Principal, Wellbeing
Pastoral Care
Dear Parents,
We are so pleased to have our students back with us on Friday. Just a few COVID Safe reminders as we navigate through the final two weeks of term.
- Masks must be worn on school buses and in the classrooms. Students will need to wear masks during their examinations so I suggest they bring at least two in each day.
- Masks may be removed outside if students can socially distance 1.5m.
- Please keep your son/daughter home if they are not well.
- Students are reminded to use hand sanitiser which is provided throughout the school and to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
We look forward to a positive final two weeks of term.
Kristen Waldron
Deputy Principal Wellbeing
Wellbeing
Each year 1 in 5 Australians will experience a form of mental illness. Many people are not knowledgeable or confident to offer assistance. Physical first aid is accepted and widespread in our community, however, most do not cover mental health problems. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches people the skills to help someone who they're concerned about.
This week, I was planning to be completing a training course in Warrnambool to become a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Unfortunately, due to the seven day lockdown, it has been postponed until July 2021. Once I have undertaken this course, I will be able to instruct and train staff members of our school, and other adults in the wider Southern Grampians Shire, in simple, practical first aid skills for working with young people experiencing mental health problems.
We have a number of teaching, nursing and boarding staff currently trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. This Instructor’s course will allow many more of our staff to be trained up, meaning our students will have access to staff who can listen and guide them to finding appropriate support and help.
More information about the Mental Health First Aid Australia courses, research and the fabulous work that has already been completed can be found at:
EXAM TIPS:
This exam ‘slaying’ checklist from Reach Out will be very useful for students going into the exam period next week, please take the time to read and consider some of the practical tips.
Kate Couchman
School Counsellor