From the Counsellor

'Boys in Crisis' Learning Sessions

Feedback from Session One

Some feedback from both the participating community members and staff from the Pastoral Team has emerged which I would like to share. To refresh your memory, Justin Coulson interviewed Peggy Orenstein around Boys and Sex and spoke with Brad Marshall on Boys and Gaming/Screen Time. The prevailing take out message from both webinars is thus: early and frequent chats/discussions around setting boundaries and respectful communication provide a platform for healthy decision making as children enter the teen years. 

These chats need to occur from early childhood – when children are three, four, five years old. Consent talks can begin at this age and would focus on healthy language around body parts, protective behaviours, noticing and naming emotions, setting boundaries, negotiating play and such like.  It’s not too late to summon the courage to talk to your teen about pornography, consent and self-regulation – however, it might be awkward and difficult. 

Session Two - Friday 12 August, 12.30pm to 3pm, Wellness Centre

Part B of Boys in Crisis (Boys and Alcohol and Drugs with Paul Dillon and From a Mumma’s Perspective with Mia Friedman) occurs in the Wellness Centre August 12th at the revised time of 12.30pm to 3pm.It’s not too late to register your interest via email: sheryl.moncur@gsg.wa.edu.au. Please note that numbers are almost full and that the deadline for registering for this course is Wed 10th August 12pm.  

Webinar 3: 'Boys, Alcohol and Other Drugs' by Paul Dillon, 54 mins

In this important conversation, Dr Justin Coulson and Paul Dillon discuss what’s actually happening with our boys around alcohol, drugs, vaping and other substances in the schoolyard. They also share ways to bring up the drug and alcohol conversation with our boys so they can learn to make healthy decisions when they are out in the real world.

Webinar 4: 'A Mumma’s Perspective' by Mia Freedman, 41 mins

When our boys grow up, it hurts. The heartbreaking grief that comes as our sons grow up and don’t need us anymore is not spoken of often enough. At the same time, there is an incredible joy that comes from watching them fall in love and take steps to begin their own life. In this important conversation, Dr Justin Coulson and Mia Freedman talk about our boys growing up, how to teach them good principles, and how to let go of them when the time is right.

Youth Mental Health First Aid - Term Three

I am very excited and hopeful in offering this comprehensive and popular course to GSG community members on Fridays of Weeks Seven, Eight and Nine of Term Three.  This 14 hour course is geared towards adults who live with, coach, support, parent and care for young people aged from 12 to 18. Both staff and community members will be able to attend. 

See the flyer below for information about the content of the course.

The course will occur over three sessions on three consecutive Fridays: 2, 9 and 16  September from 11.30am to 4.00pm. 

Please contact sheryl.moncur@gsg.wa.edu.au to register your interest and for further details. 

Website: Youth MHFA | Mental Health First Aid

Teen Mental Health First Aid - Year Eight

It has been confirmed by Mr Paul Donaldson and my colleagues in Health Education that the four Year Eight Health Education classes will be trained in teen MHFA in the second half of this term. 

See the flyer below for general information about the course content.

More details to come closer to the training.

Website: teen | Mental Health First Aid (mhfa.com.au)

Yours in Mental Fitness and Thriving,

Ms Sheryl Moncur | Counsellor