SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY LINKS CHANGEMAKERS PROGRAM

The boys from year 8 have been participating in the changemaker program since the start of term 3. Since then, they have covered topics ranging from what a yarning circle is and how to have insightful discussions with peers, too how to support friends and others when they are having trouble. This is a highlight as each person within the program expresses, they would not accept extreme violence towards groups or friends, but also people they may not normally associate with. To see each student take onboard what is being discussed within the program and have input that is not disregarded by their peers but met with healthy discussion is something we could all learn. Ultimately, I believe that the changemakers program has taught these students a great deal but, they have also come with their own experiences and views which has taught the facilitators just as much.

- Jack Rhodes, school counsellor.

CENTRE FOR MULTICULTURAL YOUTH LE MANA PASIFIKA PROGRAM

We are excited to have engaged the services of the CMY Le Mana team for a seven- week program aimed at enhancing Pasifika cultural awareness among our young people and school staff. “Le Mana,” which means empowerment perfectly captures the essence of this initiative where our students will engage in culturally relevant and interactive sessions. The goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for our Māori and Pasifika students, helping them reconnect with traditional concepts that nurture their sense of identity and belonging here at Lyndale. This program not only fosters understanding and appreciation of Pasifika cultures but also strengthens community ties, ensuring that all voices are valued and heard. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact this initiative will have on our school community!

- Melissa Sitas, student wellbeing coordinator.

AFRICAN SCHOOL COMMUNITY LIAISON PROGRAM

Meet and Greet for Students of African Heritage at Lyndale Secondary College

This event provided an opportunity for student to meet the SCLO’s and to introduce our roles and responsibilities within the school. The aim was to create a supportive environment where students could connect and state their concerns.

Meet and Greet for Parents/Carers of Students of African Heritage

The SCLOs hosted a session for parents and carers from Lyndale Secondary College, Lyndale Greens Primary School, and Dandenong North Primary School. This event aimed to introduce the SCLOs, discuss school expectations (including punctuality and uniforms), navigate Compass and explain the services available to families. The meeting encouraged parents to share their thoughts and ideas over a shared meal.

African Youth Alliance - Homework Club

This organisation seeks to empower young African people in the South-East community. It offers after-school support and delivering workshops to engage students in their learning while promoting a sense of belonging.

Australian Muslim Women's Rights for Human Rights

This group aims to bring together Muslim girls to share a meal and discuss relationships from an Islamic perspective. The aim is to support young Australian Muslimah’s in navigating their personal experiences and build a community.

- Hamdi Abdullahi & Anne Mukankusi (SCLO’s)

SECONDARY SCHOOL NURSE UPDATES

Term 3 and the beginning of Term 4 has been a busy one for activities that promote positive health and wellbeing for students at Lyndale!

Doctors in Schools

This term we welcomed Dr Mark Timlin and Dr Andrew Mau to our Doctors in Schools service. Dr Mark and Dr Andrew replaced Dr Neethu Pynadath who left Lyndale SC at the end of Term 3 to commence maternity leave. Our Doctors in Schools service continues to be incredibly well utilised by students with full bookings on most days. Dr Mark and Dr Andrew along with Nurse Sally are at school on alternating Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 1pm.

A reminder that Doctors in Schools provides students with FREE GP appointments during school hours, helping ease the cost of living and making it easier for busy families to access medical care for their children. Students can book an appointment by scanning the QR code or seeing Alanna (Secondary School Nurse) in the Doctors Pod.

Doctors Pod visits

All Year 9 students visited the Doctors Pod this term as part of their Health classes. Students met our GP, Nurse and Secondary School Nurse and learnt about the Doctors in School service, what happens in a GP appointment at school and how GPs and Nurses can help improve their health. Students explored the Doctors Pod and had a go at using some of the medical equipment including blood pressure monitors, thermometers, stethoscopes and pulse oximeters! This was a fantastic opportunity for students to become familiar with the Doctors in Schools and Secondary School Nurse programs and learn about the support available through both of these services.

Free Period Underwear Trial

Our school’s participation in the Department of Education free period underwear trial is just about to wrap up. Over the past 8 weeks, hundreds of period underwear products have been made available to students. There was an overwhelmingly positive response to this trial with items being taken by students as soon as they were made available. Final products will be available in the Senior School bathroom and stadium changerooms this week. If students have been unable to obtain products, they are welcome to see Narelle (Wellbeing Support- Front Office) or Alanna (Secondary School Nurse- Doctors Pod) who have a limited supply. The school will provide feedback to the Department of Education about this trial in the coming weeks.

Pride Group

Our Pride Group for LGBTIQA+ young people and allies is being relaunched this term. Meeting on Tuesdays during lunch, the group provides a space for social connections and activities. The group will be meeting with Dandenong Youth Services staff later this term to discuss running a leadership program in 2025.

RUOK? Day

RUOK? Day is an important reminder to regularly check in with our friends and family and encourage those around us to access support if they are going through a tough time.

On Thursday the 12th of September we recognised RUOK? Day with a number of activities at school. A group of student leaders joined an online RUOK? Day workshop run by headspace- this workshop provided students with information about signs that a friend might not be ok and how to go about having a supportive conversation with them. During lunch time, students participated in our RUOK? Day scavenger hunt which took them to different Wellbeing centred spaces around the school and ended with cupcakes in the Wellbeing Centre! In Home Groups, all students also learnt about how to have an RUOK? conversation and services that provide mental health support.

SOCIT Presentations

Earlier in Term 3, police from the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) in Dandenong presented to our Year 7 and 8 students on consent, inappropriate touching and online safety. Students were provided with information about these topics, the law and how to access support from school staff, services and police if needed.

Vaping workshops

During Term 3, Dandenong Youth Services visited our Year 7 Health classes to present information on the harms and risks associated with vaping. The workshops also included myth busting and practising practical strategies and statements to refuse e-cigarettes.

Year 7 and 10 Immunisations

Earlier this term, the Dandenong Immunisation Team had their last visit to Lyndale for the year. They are holding four ‘catch up’ sessions for students who were either absent on the day the Immunisation Team attended Lyndale, or who did not return a consent card but would now like be immunised. 

This will be the last opportunity for students to receive vaccines for FREE- they may not be free later through a GP. Families who would like to attend one of these sessions need to contact the Immunisation Team on (03) 8571 1477 to book.

TATTERSONS PARK PAVILION

Cheltenham Road, Keysborough

Monday 18 November 2024

3:30pm – 5:00pm

PADDY O’DONOGHUE COMMUNITY CENTRE

18-34 Buckley Street, Noble Park

Tuesday 26 November 2024

3:30pm – 5:00pm

SPRINGVALE CITY HALL

18 Grace Park Avenue, Springvale

Monday 2 December 2024

3:30pm – 5:00pm

DANDENONG CIVIC CENTRE

225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Thursday 12 December 2024

3:30pm – 5:00pm

Young Women’s Gala Day excursion

A group of Year 7 and 8 students participated in the Dandenong Youth Services Young Women’s Gala Day in October. This event aims to reduce the large number of girls who turn away from sport in the middle years of high school by providing opportunities to ‘have a go’ at a range of sports. The day also aims to highlight the social, physical health and mental health benefits of regular engagement in community sport. 

Students and staff had a fantastic day participating in soccer, basketball, hip hop aerobics, self-defence and resilience workshops with young people from other schools in the Dandenong area. Students were provided with a show bag at the end of the day with vouchers for local sporting activities and a drink bottle.

- Alanna McCormack, Secondary School Nurse.

This year, our Art Mindfulness program for Year 7-9 girls provided students with a unique opportunity to enhance their emotional well-being through creative expression and mindfulness practices. Guided by Youth Workers Orla Maher and Nikki McCoy, participants engaged in activities like gratitude journaling, vision board creation, and self-portrait sessions over the 8-week program. Each session fostered self-awareness, resilience, and positive connections among peers, helping students develop essential skills to manage stress and cultivate a positive mindset. We’re proud of the growth and confidence our students have shown and look forward to continuing this program in the coming years!

The Falcon Newsletter

Strength, Pride & Success

Issue 7 · 07 Nov 2024

In this issue