Wellbeing
“What is now proved was once only imagined“ William Blake ( 1757-1827 ) English Writer and Artist
In recent years, a whole school Pastoral Care program has been established at Ringwood Secondary College. All members of the College community play a vital role in the pastoral care of our students. We aim to provide an environment where each student feels valued and connected and learns the skills needed to become resilient, productive and community minded individuals.
Our pastoral care program, called 'BOUNCE', is based on the principles of positive psychology. Students participate in enriched sessions that focus on values and enhancing the tools they have to promote positive mental and physical wellbeing. The program explores many of the issues confronted by adolescents such as bullying, relationships, resilience, optimism and mindfulness. Students in Year 7 – 12 develop a strong understanding of their character strengths and how they can use them individually and with others to get the best out of every opportunity.
Sharlene (Charlie) Hetherington
Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator
Digital Space
One of the most difficult issues facing young people today (and adults too) is navigating healthy use of the digital space. Even without knowing, our obsession with screens can alter family and peer relationships, face to face conversations, self-esteem, concentration and overall well-being.
Watch and discuss Screenagers – an award winning documentary movie – which explores the impact of social media, video games and the online space as a whole. Brought to you by EACH Health Promotion Team, Maroondah City Council and Eastern Community Legal Centre.
Children Grade 5 and above can attend. This is vital viewing for families grappling with the influence of online platforms and the impact on relationships.
Karen Hallam
Social Worker- Wellbeing & Careers
Family Violence Specialist Counsellor available
We are pleased to share with you that Ringwood Secondary College have developed a new partnership with a local specialist family violence service to support members of our school community who may be experiencing family or domestic violence. This free service can provide information and specialist support or are simply available just to have a chat.
If you would like any further information or have any questions please see Julia Nordlinger in Student Wellbeing.
Our Pact
OurPact is a simple family locator and parental control app that allows parents to locate family members and limit screen time by blocking internet and app access.
Statistics state that 75% of children sleep with a device in their bedroom, impacting on their sleep. Children and teens spend more than 7 hours a day on screens.
Depending on which level of the OurPact App you install you have the ability to manage/control the following:
OurPact gives parents the ability to block apps, including social media and games.
Along with blocking apps, OurPact blocks internet browsers like Safari and Chrome.
Utilize the ability to block internet and apps, and schedule screen time throughout the day.
Access the OurPact Family Dashboard at any time using the free OurPact mobile app.
OurPact's parental control app can be accessed from any shared family iPad or tablet.
Parents can log in to the OurPact Web App to manage any Android smartphone or tablet.
App Rules allows parents to block distracting apps, while leaving educational apps for learning.
Create schedules and block texting on your child’s iOS and Android devices using OurPact.
Set daily screen time limits to ensure healthy device habits.
OurPact's Family Locator lets you quickly locate family members and device locations.
For further information about the OurPact App please visit: http://ourpact.com/
SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES ENHANCING MINDS
http://deecd.tech-savvy.com.au/course/view.php?id=6
"A sense of connectedness to families and schools is the most significant protective factor for young people”.
(Resnick et al. Protecting Adolescents From Harm 1997)
The Wellbeing team continue to promote a range of programs and supports to work with families and young people in promoting "Mental Wealth and Positive Wellbeing ".Together SCHOOLS play a critical role in the social and emotional learning of young people with the relationship between young people and their FAMILIES having a significant impact on their mental health. The SAFEMinds resource is on the Victorian Department of Education and Training website. The tips sheets and online resources are useful tools in working on a comprehensive learning and resource package that will enhance the capacity of school communities to effectively identify children and young people with early signs of mental health issues, offer school-based interventions and refer appropriately when needed.
SAFEMinds is an important resource for teachers as they are in the unique position of interacting with students daily, can build rapport and offer support, help with successful learning and development, and connect students and families to community services and resources when needed.
SAFEMinds can help parents and carers understand their role in supporting their child's mental health and wellbeing; and connect them with their school and local community resources when needed.
http://deecd.tech-savvy.com.au/course/view.php?id=6
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/
Ms Sharlene (Charlie) Hetherington
Student Wellbeing Coordinator