Program Coordinator - Student Services

Brad's Birthday Bevvies

Every Friday students are welcome to come along to The Hive (Student Services building) with a friend to celebrate their birthday if they have had one during the week. I provide drinks (ice-cream spiders) and also provide the space for friends to celebrate. This is also part of an initiative to create more familiarity with Student Services and feel comfortable within the space as it is still fairly new. 

Visit by R U Legal

R U Legal? is a program of community legal education sessions and resources developed by Legal Aid WA.  The program is for young people aged between 10 and 18, parents and teachers, and aims to empower them with practical information about the laws affecting young people.

During week 9, Year 10 Health students will be participating in this program. Topics to be covered include, cyber bullying, sexting and Image-based abuse, cars and driving. 

Do it for Dolly Day – a first for the College

Do It For Dolly Day is a day dedicated to bringing the community together, spreading kindness and uniting in helping break the silence around bullying.

The College conducted our first Do It for Dolly day last week. This new initiative was suggested by Year 12 student Matilda Steinhoff, a member of the College’s Student Leadership Group. A number of other students were involved in preparation for the day, others have suggested expanding the day next year. 

In support of the foundation and promoting kindness, students and staff:

• Came to school dressed in blue and donated a gold coin for the privilege.
• Made origami butterflies during recess.
• Ate Blueberry pancakes for breakfast in Student Services
• Enjoyed blue iced muffins at morning tea. 
• Watched a video extolling the benefits of acts of kindness.

Dolly’s Dream was created by Kate and Tick Everett following the shattering loss of their 14-year-old daughter, Dolly, to suicide, after ongoing bullying. Kate and Tick’s goal is to prevent other families walking this road. They want to change the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide, through education and direct support to young people and families. 

Meet our School Health Nurse

Hi, I am Lynley, the new Community School Health Nurse and I am looking forward to engaging with the whole community.

Now I am sure you are wondering what a School Health Nurse does, apart from assisting with first aid when the need arises or providing vaccinations for students who want them.

Well, I can provide several services that may well prove useful in the future for both parents/caretakers and students alike. For example, I can undertake health assessments, offer health advice and deliver health education on any health issue to a large group or an individual, plus everything in between, even parents or guardians! Health education areas include information on alcohol and other drugs, ensuring good mental health, developing healthy relationships, vaping and smoking, dietary choices and any other subject required. 

I can refer students to other services outside of the school if necessary, providing families with a contact point (myself) and advocate during the process. At the same time assisting the students, parents and school with developing an ongoing health care plan if required

Students can drop in to see me when I am onsite or make an appointment to discuss anything that may be affecting their health and/or well-being. Young people can seek my assistance independently or be referred by parents, teachers and/or student services.

Developing health literacy and how to navigate the health system are also complex areas in which I can assist enabling students and families alike to access all available services. I can interpret medical terminology and often explain what a medical test result or diagnosis or x-ray means, but it can be complicated.

“Nursing is my skill; caring is my profession.”

All conversations, records, documents and correspondence are strictly confidential, except where there is the possibility of harm occurring. As an employee of the Health Department and as a registered nurse, confidentiality is essential.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any reason. Students can make an appointment by contacting Student Services or talking to residential staff. I am at the college on Thursday mornings. I hope to hear from you soon.  

- Lynley

Brad Woodruff

Program Coordinator - Student Services

WACOA - Denmark