Wellbeing 

ISMO Graduation

ISMO stands for In School Mentoring Opportunity and is offered by the RAISE Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation contributing to the health and wellbeing of teenagers in our community. ISMO runs in over 80 other schools across Melbourne, Sydney, rural NSW, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Selected students who may benefit from such a program are invited to participate in the program for 6 months. Participants are supported to make informed choices, improve their relationships, advance their wellbeing and coping strategies, increase their self-confidence, identify and achieve their goals, and engage in further education and employment. Wheelers Hill Secondary College was a trial school when the program was introduced into Victoria several years ago and we have a long and fruitful involvement with the program.

A significant commitment is required from those involved in ISMO as it runs during Period 3 every Monday for the duration of Terms 2 and 3. Students are required to catch up on any lessons or learnings that they miss during this time. The graduation for the 2018 cohort was held on Monday the 8th October and each of the Mentors and Mentees made a speech about what the program meant to them and what they had learnt from the other person. They were then presented with a Certificate from College Principal, Aaron Smith. It was an honour to be able to attend this ceremony and to see the significant difference ISMO has made. Following the ceremony there was a small celebration, most ISMO sessions end with food. Thanks to Louise Ford for all her organisation and to all the office staff, particularly Paula Moorman, for their support of the program. We look forward to this association with RAISE continuing well into the future.

Exam Stress - SchoolTV Special Report

Students in their final year of school are considered a high-risk group for depression and anxiety. Sleep deprivation, diet and social media are some of the biggest issues faced by this group of teens. Therefore it is vitally important that a student's mental health is looked after as well as their physical health.

Keeping things in perspective for students and parents alike, can help prevent everyone getting overwhelmed. Although this final year is important, it is not necessarily the most important year of your child's life.

There are many strategies that students can implement to help themselves. Parents can provide support, not only emotionally, but also practically by keeping their child well-nourished and encouraging physical activity.

In this special report, parents will find useful tips to support their child during this often stressful time. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered here and we always welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about your child, please contact Louise Ford or Peter Allen for further information.

Here is the link to your special report http://whsc.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/year-12-exam-stress-special-report

Peter Allen & Louise Ford

Student Wellbeing Middle & Senior School