Wellbeing

It has been a busy but exciting start to 2021! As we return to our regular school routines, we will also be resuming wellbeing programs and events.

I am pleased to share the upcoming Bridge Builders Camp news from the 22 to 25 of March. The 14th Annual ‘UR Retreat for Young Women’ will include a group of our students who will have the opportunity to be involved in a fantastic camp with up to 50 other young women and 15 leaders from around Victoria. They will participate in some of the best workshops and listen to guest speakers for a life-changing experience. We wish our campers the best of luck.

The Wellbeing team has also been working hard to prepare for the National Day of Action against Bullying & Violence coming up on March 19. We will be running a variety of programs throughout the week. I encourage all our students to participate and learn how they can be actively involved in creating a safer community (details below and posters around the school).

I am also happy to report that the Breakfast Club has been a popular hit. I want to remind you that all students are welcome to attend (details below).

“A great attitude becomes a great mood. A great mood becomes a great day. A great day becomes a great year. A great year becomes a great life.” – Mandy Hale

Amal Saleh-Zada | Student Wellbeing Coordinator

National Day of Action Against Bullying & Violence

Friday 19 March is the National Day of Action against Bullying & Violence. Over the course of next week the Wellbeing Team will be facilitating activities and discussions relating to respect in relationships, ‘upstander’ behaviour and tips for identifying and managing bullying behaviour.

We are kicking off the week on Mon 15 March with a presentation for Year 9-12 students by the Pat Cronin Foundation with the powerful and tragic story of Pat Cronin and the consequences of social violence. The presentation has been specifically designed for delivery in schools and in 2021 is being fully funded by the Victorian Government. It will focus on alternatives to social violence, respect in relationships and making good decisions. For more information on the Pat Cronin Foundation please visit: patcroninfoundation.org.au

Throughout the week, the Wellbeing Team will be facilitating activities in Health classes for Year 7-9 students and running lunchtime activities.

Bullying and violence is never okay. You can visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au for a range of useful information and resources for parents and students around bullying, including links to support if you feel as though you are or have been affected by bullying.

Information for Parents

Don’t forget Breakfast Club runs every day from 8 - 8.30am and is open to all students and staff. There is a range of healthy brekkie options each day catering to all dietary requirements…and every Thursday is Pancake Thursday! The Breakfast Club is run by a group of community volunteers who generously give their time to support our school. Please always remember to be respectful to our wonderful volunteers

Accessing Support through Wellbeing

The Wellbeing team can assist students in accessing the support they need to navigate challenges that may impact their ability to engage in learning or general feelings of wellbeing. The Wellbeing Team can engage the student or family in an initial assessment of need, short term counselling or skills development or referrals to external support agencies. Students may also be encouraged to access self-help strategies or resources. We will explore the best options for each student.

We encourage students and/or parents to contact the year level coordinators for wellbeing referrals. You can also make an appointment with someone from the Wellbeing Team by attending the Wellbeing Centre or contacting Amal via email Amal.Saleh-Zada@education.vic.gov.au for referrals.

Teachers who have concerns about a student may also refer them to the Wellbeing Team through their Year Level Coordinator.

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, please contact kidshelpline or lifeline on the numbers at the bottom of this page

Student Wellbeing Team

Student Wellbeing Coordinator - Amal Saleh-Zada

Chaplain – Stewart McCartney

Mental Health Practitioner - Peta Cartwright

Headspace Psychologist - Tashena Perry

Student Support Services Psychologist - Emily Habard