Student Wellbeing

Walk Safely to School Day - this Friday!

What is it all about?

Primary school-aged children across Australia will make those important steps towards a healthier future by participating in National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday 19 May 2023. National Walk Safely to School Day is a community initiative that aims to raise awareness of the health, road safety, transport and environmental benefits that regular walking (especially to and from school) can provide for the long-term well-being of our children. Now in its 24th year, the annual event encourages parents and teachers to teach road safety skills and support the importance of regular walking, not just on 19 May, but every day.

St James is committed to enhancing the well-being of students, and this is a great initiative to encourage students and families to get more physically active if they can! 

For more information, head to the website https://www.walk.com.au/WSTSD/

Take a photo of you and your family walking to school on Friday and email to monica.deleo@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au We will publish family WSTSD photos in the next newsletter. 

Have fun!!!

Monica De Leo

Student Wellbeing Leader

monica.deleo@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au

Victorian Child Safety Standards

The new 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards came into effect on Friday 1 July 2022.

In July 2021, the Victorian Government announced new Child Safe Standards (CSS) to further strengthen child safe environments and protect children from abuse.

From 1 July 2022, 11 new child safety standards have replaced the seven previous Child Safe Standards (and principles) which had been in place since 2016. For more information on these Standards, please visit: https://ccyp.vic.gov.au/child-safe-standards/the-11-child-safe-standards/

Here is the Catholic Education Council of Victoria's revised statement of commitment to Child Safety which we abide by: 

Support Services Available:

Parent Zone (Eastern Region)

Parenting Programs

Parenting is the most important and challenging job in today’s rapidly changing world – but children and young people don’t come with a handbook. ParentZone supports parents, carers, and families to meet up, share and learn from each other. Anglicare Victoria understands the potential of families to shape lives. We help families to work together and create positive and long-lasting change for themselves and the community around them 

ParentZone Pods - Parenting Podcasts

In late 2021, ParentZone launched a series of parenting podcasts called ParentZone Pods on sibling rivalry, dealing with anxiety, family meetings, getting your children to listen, how to stop yelling at your kids, and how to respond to kids’ behaviour. Due to the success of these podcasts, Anglicare has decided to create another series in 2022. So, watch this space for more helpful topics to aid in your parenting! Check out all ParentZone Pods here.

Parent Resources

Click here for access to the Smiling Mind Website

Smiling Mind’s vision is to help every mind thrive. Their mission is to provide accessible life-long tools to support healthy minds.

Click here for access to the Student Wellbeing Hub Website

It includes sections for parents, teachers and students with practical strategies and resources to support your child's wellbeing.

Click here for Raising Children Network

Reliable, and up-to-date information to help your family grow and thrive together. 

Click here for access to Parenting Ideas Blog

It includes articles, testimonials and practical tips on a wide variety of topics.

Click here for Iparent - Office of eSafety Commissioner 

To learn about the digital environment and how to help your child have safe and enjoyable online experiences.

Click here for access to CatholicCare

It is a social service agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, they offer a range of programs and services that aim to build and strengthen relationships.

Click here for access to Beyond Blue

This website is regularly updated with information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time. And you can stay up-to-date by joining our email community.

Positive Parenting Telephone Service 1800 880 660

Participants complete a workbook or online modules which are supported by weekly 30 minute phone calls with a trained parenting educator. All of this can be done from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you.

Parentline 13 22 89

Parentline is available 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. It is a confidential and anonymous phone counselling service for parents and carers of children and teenagers in Victoria.

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

The Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. Counselling is currently offered by phone, Webchat and email.