Important News Regarding our Mobile Phone Procedure for 2021!

Mobile phones are a fantastic tool and resource! Our world and our lives have certainly changed significantly with the increased use, accessibility and applications. Whilst mobile phones absolutely have their place, we need to balance this with the needs and requirements of our students and school.

With this in mind, in line with the majority of Victorian schools, we are changing our procedure regarding mobile phones at school. There will be further information regarding this, but the main takeaway is that mobile phones will not be seen or heard during the school day. This is currently the case in regard to class time, however we are extending this to include break times also.

It is important to note that communication can continue to be made to your student via the Front Office.

This change is to support our students in their learning by reducing distractions, conflict and antisocial behaviour and enabling proper processes and guidelines to be implemented and followed. It also encourages focus and greater awareness, improves communication and positive prosocial behaviours and encourages less reliance on our phones and social media, allowing us to be more present. This will also support greater care for devices, resulting in less opportunities for damage, loss or theft.

Messages from our Awesome House Leaders!

Brigid House

It has been an honour and a pleasure to lead Brigid House through the year that was 2020.

The students have role modelled our Patron St. Brigid working for the poor, being a peacemaker, striving for equality, caring for the environment and showing hospitality to others.

What have we learnt from this year? That we are adaptable, resilient, creative and strong beyond what we thought we could be. We went into remote learning not once but twice and our computers became our connection to each other. The students participated in a Virtual Cross Country, had staff and student baby photo competitions which created much discussion.

Our Year 12 Brigid students were farewelled COVID style with a live stream for their families to watch, both in assembly and with their graduation last week. We wish them all the very best.

Thanks to our House Captains for the work that they did in 2020.

House Captains – Blaize Hearn and Tori Oberin.

Intermediate Captains – Tess Harvey and Hamish Prime.

Junior Captains – Morgan Neumann and Harry Limbrick.

We look forward to working with our Captains in 2021.

House Captains – Connor Turner and Meg Kennedy-Ripon.

Intermediate Captains – Charlotte Gould and Isaac Watson.

Junior Captains – Layne Trevena and Annie Limbrick.

Thank you to all the Brigid staff who have worked really hard over the past twelve months and have gone above and beyond.

Wishing all our families all the very best for the festive season and look forward to welcoming you all back in 2021.

Mrs Tracey Pearson

Brigid House Leader

Chisholm House

It has been a wonderful year for Chisholm House in 2020! Thank you to our Student Leaders for their work, efforts and commitment during a challenging year. We appreciate and thank you for all that you have done!

Thank you to our 2020 leaders:

Lachlan Hogan and Angela Warren.

Oakley Kerr and Dermott Ritchie.

Emmy McDougal and Joe Guiney.

We also would like to congratulate our Student Leaders for 2021:

Claire Byrne and Sebastian Monahan.

Hugh Byrne and Jack Anderson.

Evie Ritchie and Zachary Dolan.

And Arielle Dolan as our Beacon Leader.

It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and effort of our Chisholm students and staff during a challenging and very different year. We look forward to seeing you all in 2021!

Mrs Bronwyn Chatfield

Chisholm House Leader

Delany House

Delany House has continued to emulate humility and everyday goodness throughout this challenging and turbulent year. Our students have shown resilience, respect and kindness and have continued to be the best versions of themselves. Our achievements and successes have been both in and out of the classroom in 2020.

A big thank you goes to this year’s Delany Leaders: Annabel Lee, Harry Ward, Indi Gleeson, Olivia Lee, Philippa Bush and Kajini Karunanayake. You have risen to the challenge and have been an inspiration to us all.

Good luck to our newly appointed Leaders for 2021: Arabella Quirk, Brady Simpson, Matilda Candy, Mackenzie Fox, Bodhi Griffiths and Ky Henson. We know you will serve Delany well. It has been a pleasure to lead this wonderful House and we look forward to starting strong in 2021.

Mr. Jarrod O’Brien

Delany House Leader

Moore House

Well done to Moore House students this year; you have shown perseverance and resilience, two attributes that we talk about a lot. It has proven to be a difficult and exciting year as we have developed new skills together. Next year will bring much excitement and I look forward to seeing you then.

I would like to thank the amazing efforts of the Senior Moore House Captains throughout this year, Maisy Molluso and Emily Mitchell, who continued their great work both on and off campus; your passion and dedication to Moore House is there for everyone to see. They were well supported by Middle Leaders Jess Nunan and Macy Larkin and our Junior Leaders Ruby Lynch and Abby Larkin.

Well done and thank you to all of you.

In saying that, it is with great pleasure that 2021 Captains - although big shoes to fill will do an outstanding job and those Captains are:

Ella Larkin and Brooke Arlow - Senior School Captains.

Annie Byrne and Mara Looney - Middle School Captains.

Maisy Byrne and Elle Costello - Junior School Captains.

From myself and all the other staff and students of Moore House we say thank you for the year and all the support you have offered our community. Have a fantastic holiday period and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to what 2021 brings.

Sincerely

Mr. Kaine Anderson

Moore House Leader

Nicholls House

I have seen a new side to our Nicholls students and staff this year which has been inspirational to observe. Adjusting to working online and still contributing to our House was a credit to all.

Our students have shown traits similar to our Patron Pastor Sir Doug -all willing to work hard even when faced with multiple challenges.

A big thank you to our House Captains for the work that they did in 2020:

House Captains – Eliza Williams and Tameka Hansen.

Intermediate Captains – Milly Shannahan and Hannah Thompson.

Junior Captains – Sampson Chapman and Amy Parker.

We are all looking forward to working with our newly elected Captains in 2021:

House Captains – Thomas Donchi and Tayla Dickson.

Intermediate Captains – Indi Gilmore and Jaida Bourke.

Junior Captains – Cora Wilson and Jaxon Bourke.

Thanks to all the Nicholls staff who have worked really hard over the past twelve months and have gone above and beyond.

We are all looking forward to a well earned break and to come back in 2021 ready to continue our rise up the leaderboard!

Mr. David Armfield

Nicholls House Leader

Patrick House

Patrick Leaders 2021

Patrick House would like to congratulate its Student Leadership Team for 2021.

Junior - Maia Allan & Abbey Stobaus

Middle - Ryan Stobaus & Renee Gould

Senior - Jade Hussey & Jolyon Hogan

Beacon Leader – Lily Miles

Patrick House Out and About

Patrick House have been enjoying a massive week of activities including visiting Aqua Island for an hour-and-a half of fun for everyone. The students spent the whole hour and-a-half flying around the obstacle course. Little encouragement was needed for them to participate especially on the giant pillow.

Thank you,

Mr. Will Jackson

Patrick House Leader

Student wellbeing support over school holidays

This Christmas season for most is a time to take stock, spend time with family and loved ones, give and receive gifts, celebrate and worship amongst other things. For some though, it can be a difficult time, brought about by numerous circumstances.

For those experiencing financial hardship, isolation, loss of a loved one or or even just feelings of being overwhelmed, Christmas can be extremely challenging.

Whether you know someone who is struggling, are struggling yourself or even just want to know how you could make Christmas more enjoyable for others, here are some basic tips:

Volunteer of join a community group:

There are numerous social and religious organisations and groups who run Christmas activities. Find out how you could get involved with one.

Reach out to someone:

This may be an old friend or relative that you haven't seen for a while. It may be mutually beneficial.

Have an honest conversation:

Find someone you trust to have an honest conversation with where you can talk about challenges you or someone else might be experiencing. It can be difficult to make yourself a little vulnerable but putting up a facade is not always helpful to you or others.

Remember to exercise:

An exercise regime suited to your needs or capabilities is really important. Have a crack and you'll feel better for it!

Practice self care:

Read a book, watch a movie, get a massage etc. In the right proportion, self care activities are paramount to achieving good social/emotional health.

Wellbeing isn’t achieved through any one thing, but a lot of little things that add up to big things. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, being active, connecting with people who we feel good around, processing our less enjoyable emotions, showing kindness to others, staying focussed on ‘the now’ and trying out new things are all small things that have an accumulative impact on our wellbeing.

For other tips or information on supports, contact socialworkers@sje.vic.edu.au

The Wellbeing Team will not be accessible during school holidays, and emails will not be checked regularly. Families and students are encouraged to access external resources during this time.

Below, the Wellbeing Team have developed a list of local supports as well as alternative contacts and resources for your reference and perusal.

We are looking forward to seeing all of our students upon their return and pass on our best wishes to students and their families. In the meantime, stay safe and take good care of yourselves.

Immediate Support:

Mental Health Triage 1300 363 788 VIC residents

Mental Health Triage 1800 011 511 NSW residents (Accessline)

Lifeline 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au

Local Support

Through an appointment with your GP (doctor), you are able to obtain a care plan which provides you with a minimum of 6 heavily subsidised appointments with a private practitioner.

Support Lines and Websites:

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/teens

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Headspace 1800 650 890 https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/connect-with-a-clinician/

Online Chats:

Beyond Blue 3pm-12am https://online.beyondblue.org.au

Headspace https://headspace.org.au/log-in/?redirect=%2Fmy-account%2F

Phone Apps:

Niggle: Capture niggles and do something about them

Self Help for Anxiety Management (SAM): offers a range of self-help methods to help you manage anxiety. It has been developed by psychologists and provides 25 self-help options on anxiety, relaxation and health. You are encouraged to use the resources and tools in SAM to build your own anxiety toolkit that will help you cope when you're feeling anxious.

MoodMission: helps you learn new and better ways of coping with low moods and anxiety. Tell MoodMission how you’re feeling and it will give you a tailored list of 5 Missions that can help you feel better. Missions are activities and mental health strategies that are quick, easily achievable, and backed up by scientific evidence.

Smiling Mind: is a meditation app for young people. It has been developed by a team of psychologists and uses mindfulness to boost calmness, contentment and clarity. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to help manage stress, resilience, anxiety, depression and improve general health and wellbeing.

Calm Harm: provides tasks that help you resist or manage the urge to self harm. You can add your own tasks too and it's completely private and password protected.

Kind regards,

Lori Parmley and Francis Lias

Wellbeing Team

Gratitude and Happiness!

"Happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to the next; achieving happiness typically involves times of considerable discomfort. It’s more than simply a positive mood, it’s a state of wellbeing that encompasses living a good life.”

Gratitude is so incredibly important to us at St. Joseph’s, that it is a major component of our behaviour framework - ‘Respect, Commit, Be Grateful’. Practising gratitude regularly enables us to reflect on positive experiences, improve our health and wellbeing, deal with adversity and build strong relationships. The benefits of gratitude are well documented, and there are some amazing resources and further information to be found on our SchoolTV. Give it a try! What are you most grateful for?!

Please check them out using any of our SchoolTV links, or using the link below:

https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/happiness-gratitude

Cybersafety and Social Media

As we head into our Summer break and holidays, a reminder to establish and maintain healthy habits regarding technology use and social media. It’s fantastic if you are able to have regular conversations with your student around the need for this and how they can be safe and get the most out of their social media use, whilst being able to navigate any challenges or negativity.

Encourage your student to use privacy settings on social networking sites and restrict online information to viewing by friends only, and to be careful about who they accept as friends. A good rule is if you are not friends in ‘real life’ then you should not have them as such on social media.

Recommend to your student that they avoid responding to negative messages and actively block and report abusive people to social media services or website administrators. Encourage them to tell you, or another trusted adult, about such incidents and to take screenshots of negative messages for reporting. Hold the saved messages for them so they don’t have to view them again.

Make sure they are aware of the advice about cyberbullying particularly targeted at young people.

There are, as always, some fantastic resources on our SchoolTV - please check them out using the link below.

https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/

From the Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Team at St. Joseph’s College Echuca, we wish you a safe, wonderful and restful Christmas and New Year! We look forward to seeing and working with you all in 2021!

Rach Chapman

College Leader ~ Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

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