Wellbeing 

Mental Health Practitioner at Koonung Secondary College

Koonung Secondary College is part of a new state-wide initiative to support student mental health. 

I was appointed at the start of this term as our school’s Mental Health Practitioner (MHP) as part of the Wellbeing Team and wanted to introduce myself to you. My name is Ewa Oaten and I have an extensive background working as a social worker in a variety of school settings.

My role involves contributing to whole school student wellbeing and mental health promotion for students and parents/carers, as well as student counselling support and other early intervention services.

For more information on the Mental Health Practitioner initiative see the Department website: https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/health/mentalhealth/Pages/mental-health-practitioners-secondary.aspx.  

I look forward to being a part of the Koonung community and supporting our wonderful students!

Upcoming Parent/Carer Information and Support sessions

I'd like to bring to your attention two upcoming information sessions to help support you, and your child, during this time.

'Parenting Anxious Children' will be held on the 24 August 7-8.30pm via Zoom and is presented by ARC Vic (Anxiety Recovery Centre)

'Dealing with feelings; parenting teenagers beyond COVID' will be held on the 6 September 7-9pm via Zoom and is presented by Parentzone and Knox City Council Youth Services. Bookings are essential.

Also, please see below a link to a video 'Tips for parents/carers during lockdown' provided by Headspace

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw3LzWe-93U

Ewa Oaten 

Mental Health Practitioner

Please take care of yourself

We encourage all students and the wider Koonung community to be mindful of your own mental health and self care. It is so important that if you are in distress for any reason that you reach out to a trusted adult whether it's a parent, family member, teacher, coordinator, coach or a member of our Wellbeing Team (Eryn, Ella, Mr Oaten or Helen in the Health Centre). 

Consider limiting your time on, and exposure to, social media if that's creating any problems for you. Choose some positive activities to get involved in - sport, art, music, hanging out with people you care about. There are also a range of online support networks for you to check out if you prefer and they are accessible below: