Northcote High School Newsletter

Student Services News

Welcome to our newest member of the team

 

Hello from all of us in the Student Services Wellbeing team. The mornings are getting crisper, the days shorter and we’re starting to get into our new remote learning routines – we hope you are too.

 

We invite you to join us in warmly welcoming our new Integration Aide, Renaud Goyette. Renaud has had the unenviable task of starting his new role in the age of social-distancing and remote learning.  We are so pleased to have Renaud on board. Read on to get to know Renaud a little better:

 

Welcome Renaud
Welcome Renaud

"With a passion to make a difference in the mental health industry, I am currently studying psychology. I have volunteered with primary school-aged refugee children, assisting in their integration to the Australian education system and curriculum. I also volunteered with an organization delivering respite programs to children living in foster care. More recently, I have been working as a Special Education Assistant Teacher in Katherine, Northern Territory. Working in a small and remote location has been a fantastic opportunity, which also increased my knowledge of the Aboriginal culture in Australia. Some fun facts about myself, I am from Quebec, which means that my first language is French. If you are not sure how to pronounce my name, it's exactly like the car brand, Renault. Finally, travelling is another of my passion and can get me talking for hours. I look forward to meeting everyone and making many new friendships here at Northcote High."

Telephone counselling available

Our Mental Health Practitioner Kat Brissett is available for telephone counselling appointments with students. This is a free service, and students do not need a Mental Health Care Plan to access this support. To find out whether telephone counselling would be helpful for you, please email Leanne Petroff petroff.leanne.j@edumail.vic.gov.au to discuss a referral.

Celebrating IDAHOBIT : International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia 17 May

 

Normally on this day at NHS we have rainbows spilling from the windows, and students celebrating and fundraising for our LGBTIQA+ community. Like most things, this year’s IDAHOBIT Day will look a little different. The Rainbow Flag will be flying outside of school, and we would like to echo the sentiments of Rachel Gramm, our Rainbow Club facilitator, and say to our Rainbow Community that we support, respect and miss you. While we’re all staying home, you might like to:

Other useful wellbeing resources

  • Reach Out are always updating their resources for young people, including tools and tips to get through challenging situations, as well as everyday issues. For our senior students, this guide on How to handle fear about the future: A guide for year 12 students has some great insight and advice
  • Your Community Health are available Monday to Friday between 9.00am – 5.00pm and can connect families with medical and social support. You can phone them on 03 8470 1111 (see below for further details)
  • Kids Helpline have been supporting young people for 28 years. You can speak to a counsellor by phoning 1800 55 1800. If you’ve never done this before, you can read about how to call a help line here, which explains what to expect and the sorts of things they can help you with.

How to access wellbeing support at NHS

As always, we would like to remind you that your Student Services Wellbeing team is still here to help. We encourage you to reach out to us to discuss positive ways to support your wellbeing during this time. For information on connecting with wellbeing support, please see details below