SCHOOL NEWS
McKINNON SECONDARY COLLEGE WELLBEING SERVICES AND BUSHFIRE SUPPORT
McKinnon Secondary College would like to pay tribute to those families impacted by the recent bushfires around Australia. We also want to acknowledge the devastating loss of animal, bird and plant life.
The fires affect us all as a larger community and it is completely normal to experience a range of emotions, whether directly affected by the fires or not. Talking to someone and feeling connected can be incredibly important during times like these. We encourage all members of the community to reach out and look after themselves and each other.
If any parents or students are having difficulties managing their day to day lives, the Federal Government has announced additional funding to address the mental health needs of people affected by the bushfires.
From Friday 17 January, people impacted by the bushfires will have access to 10 immediate Medicare funded counselling sessions without requiring a GP referral or mental health care plan.
To access this support for students, we recommend making an appointment with your local headspace centre who specialise in youth mental health support (headspace.org.au).
Alternatively, support can be accessed through any local community or private mental health provider. If students or parents require support with referrals, please speak to your local GP, or you can contact a staff member in the wellbeing team on (03) 8520 9000.
The McKinnon Student Wellbeing team consists of counsellors, psychologists and social workers who can provide support and counselling for early intervention mental health, social and emotional concerns.
Referrals to the McKinnon Student Wellbeing Team for counselling can be made in one of three ways:
Students can self-refer to the Student Wellbeing Team via email (wellbeing@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au), or by visiting the Wellbeing Office during recess or lunchtime;
The Principal, Assistant Principals, Student Managers, School Nurse or Heads of Senior/Junior School can arrange a school referral to the Student Wellbeing Team if they have concerns about a student’s health or wellbeing;
Parents can request an appointment for their child with the Student Wellbeing Team by contacting the team via phone or email.
Alternatively, there are a wide range of support services out there, including:
Lifeline - 13 11 14 (for more immediate mental health crisis);
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 (free phone or online counselling for young people aged 12-25);
Headspace (Bentleigh) – 9076 9400 (free or low cost counselling for young people aged 12-25);
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636 (General mental health support for both adults and young people).
The Student Wellbeing team is also available to respond to any child safety concerns. For further information regarding the policy our school has in place to assist in protecting children from abuse, family violence and neglect, please visit our Child Safety Policy on the college website.
Patty Etcell
Student Wellbeing Coordinator