Student Wellbeing

Mental Health First Aid-Year 10

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by young people in navigating their mental well-being. Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based program that equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide initial support to youth experiencing mental health crises or challenges.

Youth Mental Health First Aid sessions spanned over 3 sessions and are led by certified instructors who are trained to deliver the program content effectively. The sessions are interactive and provided the year 10s with the opportunity to engage in discussions, practice scenarios, and learn from real-life case studies.

We are so grateful for the Rotary Club of Hampton, who funded this program to be delivered to the Year 10 Sandringham College students. 

IDAHOBIT-International Day against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination 

On the 17th of May, our Wellbeing team, Student Leaders and SRC held a day full of fun activities to raise money for Minus18. The weather was beautiful, it was a perfect day for celebration. Students dressed up in bright colors and a rainbow theme while participating in lots of fun activities. 

Minus 18 is Australia's charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth. Minus 18 is leading change, building social inclusion, and advocating for an Australia where all young people are safe, empowered, and surrounded by people that support them. Through a preventative model of mental health support, they tackle social isolation by creating fun-filled spaces where LGBTQIA+ young people belong and are celebrated. In recent years they have raised $813,173! 

Sandringham College raised money through face painting, guessing the number of lollies in a jar, food trucks, and casual clothes. We are proud to announce we raised $421.05 for Minus18!

Thank you to all the teachers, parents, and students involved in the preparations that made this event possible. Also a huge thanks to everyone who donated and participated in activities. 

Roeline Heikamp

Year 8 Captain- 8B

Welcome Lucy Wright to the Inclusion and Wellbeing Team!

We are thrilled to announce a wonderful addition to our Inclusion and Wellbeing team: Lucy Wright! Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Lucy as she steps into her new role as our Inclusion Coordinator.

Lucy brings a wealth of experience and a passion for creating inclusive and supportive environments. With her expertise, we are confident that she will contribute significantly to our ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and wellbeing within our school. Lucy has kindly answered some questions about herself for us to get to know her.

Can you share a bit about your background and experience in promoting inclusion and diversity in educational settings?

I was working as an education support in classrooms at Sandy. I've had various volunteering and community experiences working with populations with different needs such as autistic populations and individuals with learning difficulties. I also participated in lots of neurodevelopmental research during which I worked closely with parents. 

What attracted you to the role of an Inclusion Coordinator at our school?

My previous work and volunteering experiences were the ones attracted me to the role. My family is also a big motivation for me. My sister has been working with disabled populations, and dad and mum have worked in schools. They have broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of inclusion in education settings.

How can students and staff members reach out to you if they have ideas, concerns, or suggestions related to inclusion at our school?

Just come and knock on my door. I’m more than happy to have a chat anytime.

Tell us something unique or unusual about you.

I have a fascination with sharks, dinosaurs and mini things.

What are some of your long-term goals or aspirations?

To be happy and to live life to the fullest. Potentially becoming a qualified psychologist.

                   RECONCILIATION WEEK 

To begin, we would like to acknowledge the Bunurong People who are the Traditional Owners of Sandringham College lands and aim to work with traditional owners in preserving and protecting the sacred lands and waterways of indigenous ancestors, their places and traditional cultural practices and stories of this land.

From the 27th of May to the 3rd of June, Australia has been celebrating National Reconciliation Week; we also, at Sandringham College has been taking the time to learn and explore Reconciliation for Australia. On the 1st of June, we took the time to hold an official Smoking Ceremony.

The Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Smoking Ceremony is an ancient custom among the Aboriginal peoples, where leaves are smouldered, leaving smoke. This smoke is believed to hold both spiritual and physical cleansing properties, holding the ability to ward off bad spirits. The Smoking Ceremony was held by an Indigenous Bunurong community elder, Mark Brown and was an incredible and eye-opening experience for students, staff, and associates at Sandringham College.

We respect and honor the work and efforts of the generations of the past who fought for justice in Australia; and we, as a College and a Community, believes this sheds light onto the solutions of tomorrow, continuing the legacy of the past. 

Anishka Subhawickrama - Yr. 9 Campus Vice Captain

Toolbox Education

Across the semester, our students from Year 7 – 9 have had the opportunity to participate in various workshops run by Toolbox Education. These are workshops that are designed for students by psychologists, to teach important tools to teenagers in a way they can relate to. 

Students were provided with key skills and practical tips to; express emotions in healthy ways, identify the source of unhelpful thinking and creating new, balanced perspectives and reframing an event or idea to gain perspective and reduce social anxiety. 

We feel lucky to have a great resource like Toolbox join us at Sandringham College and are looking forward to our future work together!