Wellbeing

A new Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Mobile Device Policy

In this newsletter, we are asking parents to read the Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Mobile Device Policies. Recently there have been some amendments.

Please ring the College and ask for John Ryan on 03 5662 4255 or email jryan@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au to enter the further discussion with ideas or suggestions.

The link to the completed policies can be found on the College website: https://www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au/policy/mmcrc-mobile-device-policy/

https://www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au/policy/exemption-form-for-mobile-devices/

The consultation process was extensive and can be noted below. The policy becomes operational on Monday, May 15.

Students will be briefed in an extra-long homeroom on Monday, May 15. College leadership will also visit every homeroom in the College next week to discuss the policy and take questions from students.

Checkpoint One: March 15 - College Advisory Council review the draft form of the policy.   Completed

Checkpoint Two:  March 16 - College Policy and Planning Committee's first review of the draft policy. Completed

Checkpoint Three: March 20 - College Wellbeing team and Curriculum Team view the draft form of the policy. Completed

Checkpoint Four: March 27 - College Staff first view the draft form of the policy and are given one week to make formal responses with College Leadership. Completed

Checkpoint Five: March 28 - Student Mission Team viewed the draft form of the policy and discuss it with College Leadership. Completed

Checkpoint Six: March 30 - Student Mission Team second viewing and discuss the draft form of policy with College Leadership. Completed

Checkpoint Seven: March 31 - Student Mission Team and Years 9-10 Class Captains view draft policy and discuss with College Leadership. Completed

Checkpoint Eight: March 31 - Mobile Device Policy draft shared with parent body via the College newsletter. Completed

Checkpoint Nine: March 31- April: College Leadership, Policy and Planning Committees consider and ratify. Completed

Checkpoint Ten: May 15 - Policy Implemented. Completed

Vaping Sessions

As part of the implementation of the Australian Curriculum in Health and Physical Education Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College students recently took part in a workshop ‘Vaping – What’s the real cost on your health?’.

Parents / Carers are asked to complete a short evaluation survey. Your response is completely confidential.  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/parents_and_caregivers_vaping_evaluation

This evaluation data is being collected by the South Coast Prevention Team. The South Coast Prevention Team includes Health Promotion Officers from Bass Coast Health, Gippsland Southern Health Service and South Gippsland Hospital.

The College has also ordered new no smoking, no vaping signs to be displayed around the school at school gates, car parks, reception areas and external bathrooms. Support flyers are also being displayed around the College to provide students with appropriate access to external agencies should they find themselves with an issue related to smoking or vaping.

Mental Health

Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It can have an impact on a child’s ability to function in daily life affecting how they think, feel, and act.

Many factors contribute to a child’s mental health such as biological factors, life experiences, as well as family history. It is important at every stage of life, from childhood to adolescence, through to adulthood. Research shows that children with good mental health increase their ability to learn, be creative, and more productive.

Parents and carers can play a crucial role in their children's mental health. As a result, staying informed on the current state of youth mental health is vital, as it not only affects individuals but also families and communities. According to recent research, the frequency of mental health disorders among young people is increasing, with anxiety, depression, and self-harm being among the most common challenges.

One of the reasons being attributed to this rise is the heightened stress and anxiety that many young people face in today's society. Academic success, social media, and family issues are all influencing factors. Many young people are still suffering the long-term consequences of the pandemic, such as social isolation, uncertainty, and loss.

Parents can play an important role in their children's mental health. Creating a safe and open environment for your children to talk about their emotions, thoughts, and feelings is vital. Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep can help reduce stress levels and boost your child's overall mental health. There are also many resources and services available to children, adolescents, and their families, such as school counsellors, various mental health organisations, support lines, and of course, mental health professionals. It is important to remember that seeking help is a show of strength, not weakness, and that early intervention is critical in addressing young people's mental health difficulties.

This edition of MacKillop SchoolTV discusses some of the major mental health issues affecting young people and how to support a child experiencing them. 

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to The State of Youth Mental Health - AU edition of SchoolTV https://mackillopleongatha.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/state-youth-mental-health