Student Wellbeing News

Getting to Know Amal

It’s a pleasure to join the EDSC community as the Director of Wellbeing. I am very passionate about mental health and wellbeing. I have been working in schools for over 11 years. I consider my role a privilege because it takes much courage for anyone to open-up and talk to someone about their problems. I am here to support my amazing team and help promote a holistic approach to wellbeing at EDSC. I really like this quote which highlights the importance of mental health.

“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain, and you feel the rain, but, importantly, YOU ARE NOT THE RAIN.” — Matt Haig

I have filled out this icebreaker below to help you learn a little about me.

Getting to know Amal

1. How long have you worked at EDSC?

By the time this newsletter goes out, it will be officially two weeks at EDSC.

2. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I would live in Switzerland, but it would always need to be summer. I love mountains, but not the cold.

3. What is your favourite family vacation?

My favourite family vacation would involve an adventurous road trip, exploring somewhere new, like Switzerland.

4. What really makes you angry?

One of my core values is integrity. I am an honest person with very strong moral principles. In the past, I have become mad when somebody questions my integrity.

5. What makes you laugh the most?

A good dad joke, I don’t have any kids yet, but I want to be ready! Like a fake noodle, I don’t want to be "An impasta."

6. What did you want to be when you were small?

I wanted to be a Police Officer. I wanted to help people; the good thing is that I still get to help people but in a different capacity.

7. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

I wouldn’t mind being a pilot for a day. A jet fighter would be even more remarkable.

8. Would you rather ride a bike, ride a horse, or drive a car?

Although I’d enjoy riding a horse, I must go with the car. I wouldn’t want to be in the rain, and cars don’t get tired.

9. What would you sing at Karaoke night?Good luck to any poor soul that’s stuck listening to me with a mic butchering “Desert Rose” by Sting.

10. What's the most interesting thing you can see out of your office or kitchen window?

I am very fortunate that my office has 270-degree windows and can see between the upper and middle courtyard. I get to see many students!

11. On a scale of 1-10 how funny would you say you are?

I am very playful by nature (it’s one of my top strengths). I often bring my sense of humour and playfulness into counselling sessions too. I think an 8 (disclaimer: I need to know you well for you to see that side of me). Regardless, I always make myself laugh – it still counts, right?

12. What was your first job?

I am still haunted by the memories of delivering newspapers in the rain.

13. If you could join any past or current music group which would you want to join?

Coldplay: their music is amazing!

14. How many languages do you speak?

I speak Dari, Hindi, Urdu, and English (obviously), and I can understand a bit of Punjabi. So, I’ll go with four.

15. If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?

I would go with a monkey – I can sometimes be a bit cheeky.

16. What is one thing you will never do again?

Eat Lengua Estofado — first and last time. If you have not heard of it before, don’t worry. You’re not alone. A friend recommended Lengua Estofado - a type of ox tongue stew. Never again (I think it gave me food poisoning). 

17. Who knows you the best?

Three people know me best. My partner, my younger sister, and my best friend of 25 years!

18. What two radio stations do you listen to in the car the most?

Nova and Fox FM.

19. If you could hire someone to help you, would it be with cleaning, cooking, or yard work?

My partner is a fantastic cook, so I’m good on that front; the yard is not too much work, so I’ll go with cleaning.

20. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This is hard. It’s a hard pick between hot chips and margherita pizza.

Amal Saleh-Zada

Director of Wellbeing

Food & Financial Support

As we are all aware, the cost of living is increasing. We realise that this might be causing some distress to members of the EDSC community. If you are experiencing financial difficulties or food insecurity please look at the website www.askizzy.org.au. This website can help you locate services for food, money, clothing, health & housing in your area. 

The College is able to provide a range of food to families within the community. Foodbank Victoria provide EDSC fresh fruit, cereals, milk, different types of ready meals, fruit cups and messy monkey snacks. If you and your family are experiencing food insecurity, please contact the school to arrange a food collection. For a confidential conversation, please call Maddie on 9842 2244.

Please also note that if your child forgets their lunch they can come to the Wellbeing Hub to access the pantry.

Wellbeing Team

Wellbeing Staff

For more information about Wellbeing at the College, please visit the following link .. 

Child Safety Standards

East Doncaster Secondary College is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This will be the primary focus of our care and decision making.

East Doncaster Secondary College has zero tolerance for child abuse.

East Doncaster Secondary College is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

Every person involved in East Doncaster Secondary College has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

In our planning, decision making and operations, all personnel at East Doncaster Secondary College will:

• Take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety;
• Value and empower children to participate in decisions which affect their lives;
• Foster a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children
• Respect diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount;
• Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children;
• Engage only the most suitable people to work with children and have high quality staff and volunteer supervision and professional development;
• Ensure children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are comfortable and encouraged to raise such issues;
• Report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities;
• Share information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and wellbeing of children is at risk; and
• Value the input of and communicate regularly with families and carers.