WELLBEING
Student Engagement and Wellbeing
Welcome to 2021!
It was fantastic to welcome new and returning students and families to the college last week. Although they may not like to admit it, the vibe was certainly evident that students were keen to be back.
The year commenced with the very important ‘Ready to Learn’ meetings. These meetings are designed to enable the student, family and mentor to connect and work through key information so that all students are best placed to ensure support from the college in terms of achievement, engagement and wellbeing. On behalf of the college, I thank families who persevered with the challenges we experienced this year with the booking system. It ended up being a busy day with a great vibe. For students and families who were unable to attend, mentors are working through contact you to arrange an alternate ‘face to face’ or remote time. Our aim is to ensure that all students have had a meeting by the end of week 3. Please do not hesitate to contact the college to arrange a time if you have not heard from us.
As a college, we value our community and we know that communication is the key. In 2021 our Learning Community Leaders and Wellbeing staff will keep you updated through regular communication in the newsletter. I also encourage you to contact members of the Wellbeing Team listed below for any individual needs:
Learning Community Leaders:
- Year 7: Marli McCarthy
- Year 8: Stacey Marriage
- Year 9: Gary Beasley
- Year 10: Roger Conron
- Year 11: Brett Bullock
- Year 12: Susan Harrington
We also have specialist staff in our team:
- Jenny Eastwood – Chaplain
- Kerryn Cramp – PSD Coordinator
- Lisa Cooper – Health Promotion Nurse
- Emma Cvitak – School Lawyer
- Sonia Gibson – Mental Health Practitioner
We welcome a new Assistant Principal to the team in 2021 – Warwick Lamb. Warwick is the AP contact for Years 7, 11 and 12 while I remain the contact for Years 8, 9 and 10.
Finally, our aim is to ensure that all students are attending, engaged and learning. Through newsletters and other communications, we ask you not to hesitate to contact the college with any challenges to your child’s participation. While your child’s mentor is your first point of contact re: general attendance and challenges, please contact the individual staff member if you have concerns re: your child’s class.
CONTACTS
Tami O'Hare - Assistant Principal
Located in the Admin Building
Monday - Friday
tami.ohare@education.vic.gov.au
Coral Thomas - Attendance Coordinator
Located in Admin Building, Wellbeing Centre
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
Lisa Cooper - Adolescent Health Care Nurse
Located in the Admin Building, Wellbeing Centre
Currently Working Remotely
lisa.cooper@education.vic.gov.au
Kerryn Cramp - PSD Coordinator
Located in the MYR Building
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Jenny Eastwood - College Chaplain
Located in the Admin Building, Wellbeing Centre
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
jennifer.eastwood@education.vic.gov.au
Sonia Gibson - Mental Health Practitioner
Located in the Admin Building, Wellbeing Centre
Monday & Thursday
Emma Cvitak - College Lawyer
Located in the Admin Building
Monday & Friday
WELL BEING 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.
Please see below some helpful websites:
https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
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:
- Headspace Geelong – 5222 6690 www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/geelong/
- Bellarine Community Health – 5253 0400 https://www.bch.org.au/services/all-services/youth-services
GENERAL:
- Lifeline – call 13 11 14 for this free Australia-wide crisis support service. Phone: 13 11 14 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days per week OR TEXT: 0477 13 11 14 operates 6pm – midnight (AEDT), 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 (AEST).)
- 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 well-being team in our school community if you need some additional support.
