Wellbeing
Welcome to 2020!
This year’s school holidays didn’t go well for many people in our College community. We’ve heard stories from both staff members and students about the stress, worry and loss they have faced. However, during this very rough time, there have been amazing acts of kindness and generosity, with people showing great care and patience with each other. We are very proud to see such wonderful behaviour within our own school and in the wider community during this really confusing and sad time.
If students would like additional support from the school to help manage the stress caused by the bushfires, or for any other reason, please feel free to contact the school and get a referral from the relevant Hub .
In 2020 we are happy to have many returning staff members and are excited to welcome several new staff to our Wellbeing Team. Returning are: Steph Coleman, Hayley Blythman and Alara Hood. Helen Ellett returns as Chaplain of Years 10 to 12, and Sophie Brown continues as the School Nurse. This year we are also very fortunate to continue the Doctors in Schools program. Doctor Ashley Doery and Nurse Amy Fisher will be at school every Wednesday for medical appointments, which are open to all students. Appointments can be made by parents/carers or by students themselves by contacting the relevant Hub.
The Wellbeing Team is excited to introduce several new staff members this year. We offer a big welcome to Lisa Sidoti in the position of Wellbeing Coordinator. Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and established relationships with numerous external agencies throughout the region. The team is also very lucky to have Adrian Marriott, who will work full time as College Chaplain focusing on students in Years 7 to 9. Elise Malberg joins the team from within the College and will work closely with the team as Leading Teacher to promote internal school supports.
INTRODUCING ADRIAN!
I am very excited to be joining the amazing Wellbeing Team at BSC this year. I have always had a heart for youth, to support them through such a crucial stage of their lives. I love seeing youth follow their passions, overcome challenges and be their best self. I have a wonderful family with my wife Rachel and three children. I love sports, outdoor activities, drumming, movies, church, and poking fun at myself!
Events and Lunchtime Activities
The Wellbeing Team is very keen to organise more school events and lunchtime activities. Some have already started, such as the Year 7 Hang Out and Games on Fridays at lunchtime and Walk and Talk with Charlie the School Dog on Tuesdays and Fridays during recess. Please keep your eyes peeled for more information about upcoming events and activities to suit everyone! Let the Wellbeing Team know if you have any ideas for activities or groups that can be organised to help students make friends, support each other or simply have fun together!
Starting School Tips - for Parents!
These tips can help if you:
- have a teenager starting at a new school
- are nervous about your teenager's transition to a new school
- want to support your teenager moving schools.
Guide your teenager through this important transition with our top ten tips for starting high school or moving to a new school:
- Be positive about the transition - Build excitement by talking about all the new opportunities for friendships and activities they’ll have.
- Practice the new trip to school – It might sound silly, but practising the walk, ride or bus/ trip beforehand will really reduce first day nerves.
- Arrange a chat with an older teen who’s been through it – If there’s a neighbour or cousin who’s started at a new school in the past organise for them to hang out and hear what it was like.
- Make sure everything is organised – Uniform, books and bag are essentials for starting at a new school so help them sort it all out before day one.
- Start afresh with a tidy room and desk – If their desk or room is shared make sure the rest of the family are on board with keeping things sorted.
- Farewell the holidays - Organise a social day just before school goes back to farewell and, if possible, invite friends from their old school.
- Don’t commit too early – It sounds strange, but with the stress of making friends at a new school it’s easy to jump at the first people that speak to you. Encourage your teen to be social and not rush getting a new best friend. Good things come to those who wait!
- Avoiding comparing the new to the old – Get your teen to look to the future even if they’re missing their old school a bunch.
- Sign up to things straight away - Research extra-curricular activities and help students decide on some they’ll sign up to in their first weeks.
- Prepare them for stress - The unknown can be really scary, but things like breathing exercises, getting active, and having "me-time" can all help with the transition.
Bushfire smoke
Have you been affected by bushfire smoke?
Check out the links below for more information.