We hope that everyone is keeping warm in this cold, blustery weather. There is no doubt that winter is well and truly upon us. Term 3, whilst cold, can be a really productive term. For those who are familiar with football, the 3rd quarter, sometimes called the premiership quarter, is known as such because it is believed that the efforts in this quarter are associated with increased chances of success overall. It’s a good term to dig deep and focus for the promise of positive outcomes.
In the Wellbeing space, this term is no different- we have a busy and exciting term ahead! We have several guest presentations booked in to support our students in the areas of healthy and supportive relationships, positive identity, positive coping and self care.
- Year 10’s will be visited by The Man Cave and the Reach Foundation with interactive and powerful all day programs on Friday 4 August.
- Year 10’s will also have a presentation by the Pat Cronin Foundation about the consequences of social violence.
- Project Rockit will be working with our Year 7 and 8’s around staying safe online.
- Our whole school wellbeing campaign in Term 3 is RUOk? Day which will include in class and lunch time activities to increase awareness and skills around helpful conversations.
The Wellbeing team are also really excited to be welcoming Kaye Walker, a Health Promotion Nurse, to the team for the remainder of the year. Kaye has extensive schools-based experience delivering health promotion activities and targeted interventions for students across all of the health domains including healthy nutrition, exercise, sleep and self care. We look forward to working with Kaye to promote healthy habits for life and learning.
Please also see information below for accessing wellbeing support and check out lots of local and online supports for families and young people in the Knox area.
Peta Cartwright | Student Wellbeing Coordinator
The Team
Reminder: Bridge Builders Retreat
We will be having an information session for any students interested in nominating to go on the Retreat on Tuesday 25 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
There is a lot happening this term – details below.
For registration:
Knox Youth Career Expo 2023 Tickets, Thu 24/08/2023 at 5:30 pm | Eventbrite
For registration:
For registration:
One on One Support | To help you support your teenagers through a tough time. – ReachOut Parents
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
Clothing Support: Thread Together
We recently partnered with Thread Together to provide free and brand clothing for students in need. Thread Together collects brand new unsold clothing from all around the country, saving it from landfill. Thread Together believe that people in need deserve the dignity and choice of new clothing, without judgement. If your children need any help with clothing, please contact the Wellbeing team for further assistance.
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 2:48pm – 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.
External Food Support Options
The following community agencies provide food support for families in need.
