Wellbeing
As we approach the end of the term in another lockdown, I want to acknowledge the fantastic work of our wellbeing team, who have continued to support our community during these challenging times. The team worked collaboratively to reach out to every student and family to offer our support and services.
We undertook new initiatives to connect and support our students in different ways, including lunchtime activities and drop-in sessions, online and phone counselling, and developing resources and materials for our community.
I would like to remind our students and parents/carers that the wellbeing team offers Webex support and counselling. As part of our online protocols, all one-to-one sessions will be recorded and treated with the same confidentiality and privacy as our case notes. For those who choose to not participate via Webex, we also offer phone counselling.
We are aware that as the lockdown continues, it is affecting the financial circumstances of many of our families. We are fortunate to have access to services that can provide some relief in food assistance. If this would benefit you, please get in touch with me directly via email at amal.saleh-zada@education.vic.gov.au or call/text on 0456 416 431 (during school hours).
On a positive note, we nominated our Breakfast Club volunteers for the 2021 Aston Community Awards. I am pleased to announce that Knox Community Baptist Church has been selected as a finalist in the Community Group Achievement Award category. Once the restrictions ease, there will be a special awards night where each finalist is recognised in person, with overall winners announced on the night. We would encourage as many people to attend to celebrate the success of Knox Community Baptist Church. We thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Breakfast Club.
Last Thursday, as part of the RU OK Day, all the Knox State Schools came together to host our first Health and Wellbeing Expo. The night included presentations from local services and agencies that support the wellbeing of our young people and their families. We are very proud of Rylee Barnard (Year 7), Felicity Anderson (Year 10), and Jesse Elderhorst (Year 12), who participated in hosting the event.
Here is the link to access a recording of the event: https://knox-vic-gov-au.zoom.us/rec/share/YzQK6F5mhy48LI6gT78Ut6IKotiZvJ0pTQf-jYoo9Wm7fX735XaTSl71jQ5ecTac.79j6aN8bx6hFoQSh
Access Passcode: @N@Dz94K
This is a link to the digital resource we created with information around supports in the Knox area: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VinskrIxwVNQOdY0NxVGhOEwAtwZSEuK/view?usp=sharing
We wish you a safe break. See you all in Term 4, hopefully in person.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
Amal Saleh-Zada
Student Wellbeing Coordinator
Despite the challenges that we continue to face, we have made it to the end of another term. In the face of ongoing uncertainty and so many things that seem out of our control right now, it is always useful to remind ourselves of the things that we can control, however small: the things we choose to do with our time- make them healthy choices that bring joy, keep us moving or help us to relax; the amount of media and news we consume- minimise it or balance it with feel-good stories; the people we spend time with- make them people that make us feel good and lift us up; and the way we think about the situation-be kind to yourself and those around you, this is not easy for everyone and it won’t be forever.
Thursday 9th Sept was R U OK? Day. This is a national day dedicated to reminding people to check in on friends, family, colleagues, neighbours...it is a day to remember that every day is a day to check in on someone and learning how to ask someone if they are coping.
Starting on R U OK? Day we launched a compass campaign to remind students of the key steps in checking on someone who they might be worried about. The key steps are: noticing that someone isn’t acting or talking in their usual ways; finding the right moment to check in with someone, asking the question- R U OK? and offering to find support if that is what is needed. We know that young people will often turn to their friends for support in challenging times and so we recognise the need to teach young people how to not only respond in these situations but how to recognise that someone might not be coping. Whilst these are important skills, it is important for young people to know that if someone does confide in them that they are not coping, it is not their problem to fix…but they can be extremely supportive by just listening or helping someone to take the next step in accessing help.
Lockdown Support
I would highly recommend this online parent webinar put together by The University of Melbourne, featuring a panel of field experts including Dr Michael Carr-Gregg (Child & Adolescent Psychologist) and Dr Anthea Rhodes (Paediatrician) discussing tips to help families during lockdown. The panelists discuss a range of really practical ways of supporting yourself and your young people through these difficult times.
In Pursuit of Health - Tips to help families cope during lockdown - YouTube
For students or families who are in need of extra support at the moment- you are not alone. See links and phone numbers at the bottom of the page. Also see below for information on how to make a referral to the Wellbeing Team.
Peta Cartwright
Mental Health Practitioner
Competition Time!
Before the end of T3 students were invited to find creative ways to spell R U OK? using objects and items from around the house (See attached for examples).
We will showcase entries and a winner for the most creative photo will be announced on compass on the last day of Term 3.
Prizes will be available when we get back to onsite schooling. We look forward to your creative entries!
The Wellbeing Team 😊
Accessing Support through Wellbeing
The Wellbeing team can assist students in accessing the support they need to navigate challenges that may impact their ability to engage in learning or general feelings of wellbeing. The Wellbeing Team can engage the student or family in an initial assessment of need, short term counselling or skills development or referrals to external support agencies. Students may also be encouraged to access self-help strategies or resources. We will explore the best options for each student.
We encourage students and/or parents to contact the year level coordinators for wellbeing referrals. You can also make an appointment with someone from the Wellbeing Team by attending the Wellbeing Centre or contacting Amal via email Amal.Saleh-Zada@education.vic.gov.au for referrals.
Teachers who have concerns about a student may also refer them to the Wellbeing Team through their Year Level Coordinator.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, please contact kidshelpline or lifeline on the numbers at the bottom of this page
Student Wellbeing Team
Student Wellbeing Coordinator - Amal Saleh-Zada
Chaplain – Stewart McCartney
Mental Health Practitioner - Peta Cartwright
Headspace Psychologist - Tashena Perry
Student Support Services Psychologist - Emily Habard
