Being an Upstander

An Upstander is someone who acts when they see something wrong. There are many ways an Upstander can act to support others.

Every year in THRIVE, students explore ways to be an Upstander and show kindness. I encourage the school community to utilise the ones they feel most comfortable implementing. Behaviour ignored is behaviour accepted.

Fairhills High School Upstander strategies

CALL THE BULLIES OUT
If you see friends or classmates laughing along with the bullying, tell them that they are contributing to the problem. Never join in.

LEND A HAND
Ask the person who is being left out or picked on to join you and fellow Upstanders.

ALERT AN ADULT
When possible, notify a staff member whenever you see someone being bullied. There are many ways to report. Stymie notifications are an anonymous way. You can also inform a parent/carer who can report it to the school.

STOP THE SPREAD OF HURTFUL MESSAGES
If someone sends you a message or tells you a rumour that is untrue, speak out. Let them know that this behaviour is not funny or cool.

BE A FRIEND
Welcome new students. Make friends outside of your circle. Eat lunch with someone who is eating alone.

RESPECT DIFFERENCES
Remind others that differences are something to be celebrated, not used to hurt others or make others feel inferior.

Empowering Parents: Help Your Child Become a More Effective Learner!

Looking for ways to support your child’s learning and boost their academic success? You’re in luck! Our school has partnered with Elevate Education, an award-winning organisation renowned for helping students develop essential study skills like self-motivation, time management, and effective preparation.

As part of this partnership, we’re excited to invite parents to Elevate’s exclusive webinar series – designed to equip you with practical tools to support your child at home.

Upcoming Parent Webinars:

• How to Get (And Keep!) Your Child Motivated
  August 6, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Make Technology an Ally (Not the Enemy!)
  August 20, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)
• How to Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking
  September 3, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)
• How You Can Support Your Child During Exams
  September 17, 6:30–7:30pm (AEST)

These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to gain insights and strategies directly from education experts.

Register now and learn more:
https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars

Let’s work together to help our students thrive this year and beyond!

Accessing Support through Wellbeing for Students

The Wellbeing Team can support students to navigate challenges that may be impacting on their ability to engage in learning or general feelings of wellbeing. This can include: transitions and adjusting to change, family or relationship difficulties, grief and loss, mental health concerns, drug and alcohol concerns, and many other challenges that young people encounter.

An initial appointment with a member of the wellbeing team will be an assessment of need with the student or family which will help to decide the best support option for the student. Support options available through the Wellbeing Team are:

• Individual short-term counselling, psychoeducation and skills development
• Group programs
• Referrals to external support agencies.
• Students may also be encouraged to access self-help strategies or resources.

Referrals to see someone from the team are made through year level leaders. Parents, students or teachers with concerns are encouraged to speak to their year level leader. Students or parents can also make an appointment directly with someone from the Wellbeing Team by attending the Wellbeing Centre, calling the school office or contacting us via email at wellbeing@fairhillshs.vic.edu.au

Year level leaders who are made aware of concerns by a teacher will always endeavour to make contact with parents before referring a student to the Wellbeing team.
All counselling sessions with students are confidential and information is only shared if a student is deemed to be at risk of harm.
If you or anyone you know needs immediate support, please contact KidsHelpline or lifeline on the numbers at the bottom of this page

What’s on in Wellbeing?

The Wellbeing Centre is open at recess and lunchtime for students who need a quiet, safe place to regulate or access support. The centre is also used for lunchtime group programs which are advertised through compass or on notice boards.

Accessing Support for Families

Many families, at some stage, need a little extra support to manage the normal challenges of life as well as the more difficult situations that arise. If you are experiencing hardship, stress or circumstances that are impacting on the wellbeing of your family life or your ability to cope, the Wellbeing Team can help to connect you with community services that can provide support. Please contact the Wellbeing Team via the school phone number or via email at wellbeing@fairhillshs.vic.edu.au

Breakfast Club

With the support of volunteers from local churches- Knox Baptist and Hillsong Church we are able to provide a breakfast club 4 days a week for our students:

• Mon/Tues – recess time
• Wed/Fri- before school 8:15 AM-8:40 AM

Food Support for families in need

Each fortnight on a Tuesday after school from 2:48 PM- 3:08 PM we have food support available for families who may be in need, for whatever reason. We have a selection of frozen meals and pantry items that families can collect from the former school canteen area without question or judgement. We know that access to food can be a real challenge for some families and we feel strongly about supporting the basic needs of our students and families. Watch out for compass posts each fortnight.

External Food Support Options

The following community agencies provide food support for families in need.

What’s on