Student Wellbeing

Welcome back to Sandringham College for 2022 

The Wellbeing Team would like to send our best wishes for the year ahead and hope the summer holiday period and start of Term 1 has been successful and full of happiness.

We know that sometimes things may not be all going as smoothly as we like, therefore this is where the Wellbeing Team can ensure that all students have an opportunity  to improve their welfare reinforce that their safety is paramount when attending Sandringham College.

The Wellbeing Team doesn't only utilize one on one counselling strategies, but also delivers a wide variety of programs, informative psychoeducation and facilitation of mental health/wellbeing group work to ensure that students are delivered the tools to improve their mental health and wellbeing. The Wellbeing Team based at the Bluff Road Junior Campus can be found in the C corridor. So please do not be afraid to say HELLO!

Junior Wellbeing

Welcome back for another year at the Junior Campus of Sandringham College. With new beginnings and new years we also welcome the wonderful Year 7's who have transitioned seamlessly into the Sandringham College environment along with all the new students who have embraced Sandringham College.

So far this year has seen the Wellbeing Team support Year 7's with their transition to secondary schooling, along with the exciting start or 'soon to start' clubs including the Rainbow Club which commence this Tuesday, the  15th of February.

The Wellbeing Teams works in collaboration of the Rainbow Club celebrates the LGBTIAQ+ community and embraces diversity. The club had a successful first meeting this week and will continue to do meet once a fortnight, promoting sexual orientation and diversity.

Please keep an eye out on any further clubs and groups throughout the year in the newsletter.

Senior Wellbeing

We would like to welcome back all senior students to the new school year. We are so happy to have you all on campus for what we hope to  be a seamless year. We know the transition back to school can be daunting, so know that we are here to support you all during this and all stages of the year. 

A special shout out to the many new students we have in years 10-12. Welcome to you all and we are here to support you while you find your way around your new school. 

-Wellbeing has moved!-

Our wellbeing offices have had a shake up, and you can now find Caitlin, Isabella and Gulzabeen opposite the staff room near the oval. 

Sandringham College Dogs!

There have been a few extra four legged friends running around Sandringham College over the past 12 months and we think it's about time that we officially introduce you to them!

Tilly is a gorgeous 2 year old Labrador who works with our Bluff road Science teacher- Ingrid Scharer. Tilly is well known at Sandringham College, and is absolutely loved by all who meet her. Tilly can be found at the Bluff road campus on Mondays and Thursdays/Fridays.

Bailey is the newest member of the Sandringham College Dog Crew. She is our year 11 and 12 SWC-Isabella Farrar's four month old Cocker Spaniel puppy. Bailey is training to be a therapy dog, and has so far been loving her new role. She enjoys sleeping through counselling sessions and walks during lunchtime. You can find Bailey around Holloway road campus on Monday's, Wednesday's and Fridays. You'll see Bailey and Isabella walking around at recess and lunch so come over and say hello!

Sam (also known as Sammy) is our Assistant Principal- Suzanne Trease's companion dog. You'll only ever find Sam where you find Suzanne, and you'll  see their special bond instantly. Sammy loves to sleep on any couch he can find, and doesn't mind a little chin scratch if you catch him in a good mood. Sammy has done some incredible work in the past, supporting Suzanne with some of the most vulnerable people in the community including refugees. You can spot Sammy around both Campuses on a Tuesday and Thursday. 

Therapy Dogs have many benefits to an individual and to communities when utilised in the relevant environments. Therapy Dogs can be calming and the presence of such dogs can boost community moral and encourage relationship building between peers and staff. Therapy Dogs can help create a safe and warm environment which can make young people feel more comfortable in sharing any concerns or issues that they may be feeling uneasy speaking about. Dogs have been scientifically proven to increase the release of the good Oxycontin, Dopamine, and Serotonin hormones which can in turn create a happier, more positive Sandringham College community. 

LGBTQIA+ News

Rainbow (LGBTQIA+) Club returns in 2022

We are so pleased to have our LGBTQIA+ lunchtime groups return this year. 

When: Every second Tuesday lunchtime 

Where: Two locations: 

• Holloway Rd Theatrette

• Bluff Rd room C7

Melbourne Pride-Midsumma Festival

-13th February 2022

Melbourne Pride is a day long festival commemorating the 40th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Victoria.

Many of our students were lucky enough to attend and reported on an incredible celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community full of performances, art food and culture. A part of the celebration involves a Pride March down Gertrude and Smith streets. Individuals, groups and organisations can march to show their support and involvement in the community while being cheered on by thousands of onlookers to celebrate the incredible journey that the LGBTQIA+ community has embarked on over the past 40 years. 

Supporting our children's mental health

A study by UNICEF Australia showed that the COVID19 pandemic has resulted in increased worries and caused increased levels of stress and anxiety in adolescents. Similar concerns were raised by 5-12 years old to the Kids Helpline, with their most expressed concerns being social isolation, impacts on family life, impacts on education, fear of someone contracting Covid-19 and mental health concerns resulting from the pandemic. 

To help support our children’s mental health during these uncertain times, here are some great tips from the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne: 

• Children look to adults as a guide about how to react in stressful situations. It is important that parents and carers manage their own strong emotions and anxiety to allow them to support their children to stay calm. 
• Staying positive and hopeful is critical when talking with your young person about challenging issues including friendships, their identity, their learning, and emotions. It can be helpful to reassure young people that emotions are healthy and acceptable and that strong emotions can be understood and worked through together.
• When speaking with young people about key issues impacting them, it I helpful to keep information clear, honest and age appropriate. It is also perfectly acceptable to admit to your young person that you ‘don’t know’ enough about a particular topic and are happy to find out together.
• It can be really helpful to give young people practical things to try to help them resolve their barriers, to make them feel empowered rather than helpless (e.g., why don’t we speak to our GP about this…).

In order to best support young people, it is important that parents look after themselves too and have adequate rest and self-care. 

Please refer to https://youtu.be/y1DizMUOeng to access a recording of a webinar “Supporting children's mental health during the pandemic and beyond “, which was provided by the Royal Children’s Hospital. This is excellent and provided lots of great tips for families during these at times challenging times. 

If you or your child are feeling overwhelmed or stressed remember there are lots of support option available and speaking to your family physician may the first point of call.