Mentone Girls' Secondary College Newsletter

Wellbeing

We are excited to welcome our new and current students and community back for a productive and successful 2020 at MGSC.  Wellbeing will have a regular presence in the school newsletter with topical information for parents and students to support the mental and emotional health of our community. 

 

As well as managing school, many young people are also trying to cope with work, family and social commitments. The cumulative effect of these demands appears to be leaving many young people feeling besieged and struggling to cope.

 

If you feel your daughter is becoming overwhelmed please contact the Wellbeing Team or Student Manager at school for further support.

 

Regards

The Wellbeing Team

Tips for a smooth Year 7 Transition 

Starting secondary school comes with a number of mixed feelings. It’s an exciting time. So much is changing and you’re about to start a whole new set of subjects, meet new people, create new friendships and take on new challenges. While all this change is exhilarating, the fear of the unknown can also be a daunting prospect. You’re about to be a small fish in a big pond again. So here are some tips to make sure you get off on the right foot next year.  

 

1. Find a good study space free from distractions

Create a designated area for your study where you can focus and limit distractions. Maybe you prefer the dining room table, or perhaps it’s a desk in your room - choose a place you feel comfortable, alert and focussed. Keep it clean and tidy to help you keep focussed.

 

2. Get a homework and study planner

In high school you are expected to be more organised. Use your student planner to mark out key dates and a diary to keep track of when your assignments are due. Write a ‘to-do’-list and tick off each task as you finish it. Colour code your subjects, and know when you have to be in which classroom. This will make every day easier.

 

3. Set up a study routine

Never underestimate the value of a routine, especially when it comes to school work and study time. A good way to do it is to spend the first 30 minutes to an hour after you arrive home from school doing something you enjoy – which might be playing music, sport, video or games. Then spend an hour or two on homework before dinner.

 

4. Set realistic goals for your first term

Setting yourself goals and dedicating yourself to achieving them will help you stay motivated and help you achieve the results you want. The best time to set them is when you’re feeling refreshed and re-energised at the start of the term. (Don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t achieve them, try your best and you will reap the rewards).

 

5. Be flexible with what subjects you study when

You might be overwhelmed with the amount of study in secondary schools. Try to manage it with being flexible with what you study when. If you have a big maths exam coming up, spend the entire evening on maths and work on the other subjects tomorrow. Practice your routine every day (even if you don't have much on - use the time to get ahead) and your workload will feel manageable.

Surviving Year 12

The media and those around us can spread a lot of hype and pressure about Year 12, but putting things into perspective can really help to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

 

The final year of secondary school is important, but it will not be the most important year of your life. Keep things in perspective because you’re far more than your ATAR score.

 

Your performance in Year 12 is only a measure of your ability in a test or exam at one point in time. It does not control your future success or happiness.

 

If you feel the time isn’t right for you to complete Year 12, or you have a burning passion to do something other than school studies, then talk to your careers counsellor and find out what your options are (TAFE, a job, volunteering, part-time study, or an apprenticeship). Remember there are many ways to reach your goals.

 

Parents' Do and Don't Guide to support and encourage your child

Do:

  • encourage healthy eating, regular exercise and plenty of sleep
  • take your teenager’s efforts seriously
  • create an effective work space in the house if your teenager can’t study in their room
  • take a whole family approach to supporting your teenager
  • remind your teenager of his or her goal
  • give your teenager positive feedback whenever possible
  • encourage your teenager to take study breaks when necessary
  • remember, the final year is about your teenager, not you
  • help your teenager put, and keep, the year in perspective
  • keep an eye on his or her emotional health – look for changes in sleeping or eating habits, and see your GP if you are worried
  • let your teenager know that you’re there when she or he needs you
  • encourage your teenager to believe in themselves.

Don’t

  • nag
  • overload your teenager with domestic chores
  • tell your teenager to work harder or he or she will fail.

The research according to the Mission Australia Youth Survey, coping with stress and school or study problems remain major concerns for respondents. Year 12 students can have increase rates of depression and anxiety, suicidal thoughts and even suicide. In particular, the fear of failure and the apparent lack of prospects as a result of poor results in Year 12 were identified as major stressors for many young people.

Support services 

24-HOUR TELEPHONE COUNSELLING - If you need to talk to someone call:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14
  • Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
  • Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
  • Headspace 1800 650 890
  • Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

ONLINE COUNSELLING: