Term 1 is always a busy, exciting and (sometimes overwhelming) start to the year, especially for our Year 7’s who are learning all new people, places and routines. It can be useful to reflect on just how much we have achieved in a short period of time and to celebrate our successes, however small. It is also helpful to note how adaptable to change our brains can be and how resilient we can be in new and challenging situations. When we treat challenges as opportunities to learn, there is only success!
One of the cornerstones of Wellbeing at Fairhills is helping to promote a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all students. One of the ways we do this is by running awareness and education campaigns throughout the year. In Term 2 we will be running campaigns for IDAHOBIT Day and Men’s Health Week. Campaigns may include fun lunchtime activities for all students, competitions, classroom sessions delivered by members of the wellbeing team or guest speakers and information delivered through compass posts. Stay tuned for more information on Term 2 activities.
We hope everyone has an enjoyable break and we look forward to seeing you all back in Term 2.
Please see information below for accessing wellbeing support and check out some local and online supports for families and young people including a parent seminar on the really important issue of vaping amongst young people.
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)
Counselling Intern – Eliza Wade (2 days per week- Tues, Thurs)
Counselling Intern – Sarah Ardiente (2 days per week – Tues, Fri)
Local and Online Services and Supports for Families and Young People
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.
Food Support for families in need
Each fortnight on a Tuesday after school from 2.48- 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.
External Food Support Options
