Wellbeing

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It is hard to believe we are in the last week of Term 2 and the start of winter. Term 2 has been quite busy for Wellbeing, but also exciting. We have welcomed two new amazing counselling interns into the team- Anita and Callum, who will be with us until the end of Term 4. We have sadly said goodbye to Eliza who has been on her counselling placement with us since October last year- we wish her all the best with her career and thank her for all her support of our students. We also express our gratitude for Kerrie and Sarah, former counselling interns who are continuing to offer their support and care for our students and the wider school community as volunteer counsellors. Along with our core team of Gail, our Chaplain and Mariani, our Mental Health Practitioner, we are truly blessed to have such a dedicated, skilled and energising Wellbeing Team.

The team have been out in classes this term delivering a number of programs including a Girls Art Group for Years 7-9 that has been an opportunity to explore creative expressions of self; the ‘Why’ workshop with our Year 9 boys looking at what sits underneath our anger and a building mental toughness workshop for Year 7 students. We are looking forward to Term 3 with more campaigns and workshops as well as additional activities aligning with the Respectful Relationship modules. See below for more details on what’s on in Term 3.

Please also see information below for accessing wellbeing support and check out some local and online supports for families and young people.

Please see information below for accessing wellbeing support and check out some local and online supports for families and young.

Peta Cartwright | Student Wellbeing Coordinator

The Team

Student Wellbeing Coordinator – Peta Cartwright/ Social Worker (3 days per week – Mon (Wk2), Tues Thurs, Fri)

School Chaplain – Gail Ackroyd/ Counsellor (2 days per week – Mon/Tues)

Mental Health Practitioner- Mariani Lim (2 days per week- Thurs/Fri (Wk1), Tues/Fri (Wk 2))

Counsellor (Volunteer) – Kerrie (2 days per week- Mon, Tues/Thurs)

Counsellor (Volunteer)- Sarah (1 day per week – Fri)

Counselling Interns- Callum (2 days per week- Tues, Fri) and Anita (2 days per week- Tues, Thurs)

Reminder: Bridge Builders Retreat

We will be having an information session for any students interested in nominating to go on the Retreat on Tues 25th July at lunchtime in the Wellbeing Centre. The Retreat is open to young women and those who identify as female aged between 13-15 years old. Come along to the info session to meet facilitators and hear from past students who have been on the retreat.

What’s On: Term 3 Calendar Activity

Local and Online Services and Supports for Families and Young People

Cybersecurity: Resources

eSafety’s express learning series provides parents and carers with practical tips and advice on common online safety concerns. The videos are 5 to 10 minutes long and cover four important topics, including:

Setting up parental controls
Digital technologies and mental health
Cyberbullying and online drama
Online sexual harassment and image-based abuse

Cyber Safety Project provides a whole community approach focused on developing future skills, lifelong habits and self-regulation when innovating and using digital technologies for work, life and play. To create safer communities our educational programs and proactive teaching strategies will engage the whole community with learning how to participate safely and responsibly in a digitally-engaged world. To learn more about family workshops and webinars for parents or carers, please visit https://cybersafetyproject.com.au/families/

Accessing support through Wellbeing: 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.

Q-Squad, our LBGTQIA+ group runs every Thursday lunchtime.

More groups to come!

Accessing Support: Families

Most 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 5 days a week for our students, including a Pancake Breakfast every Thursday morning. All students are welcome.

Breakfast Club before school – Wednesday and Friday before School in A03

Breakfast Club Recess – Monday and Tuesday at Recess in A03

Breakfast Club Pancakes – Thursdays before school in A03

Tasty Truck Sandwiches – Everyday in the canteen courtyard at recess.

Food Support for families in need

Each fortnight on a Tuesday after school from 2:48pm – 3:08pm 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.