Mental Health Literacy
A Strategic Whole School Approach
As a response to the challenging circumstances of our community and more specifically our students, the College has embarked on a whole school strategic approach to build mental health literacy within the community.
Recently we have moved to stage 8 of our strategic plan for building a whole school approach of developing mental health literacy.
Mrs Suzi Hyland (Director of Wellbeing Programs) and I facilitated our first parent YMHFA program over four nights (5pm - 8.30pm). Topics covered in these sessions are outlined below. By all reports this was very well received. With 50 parents attending and a waiting list, an appetite certainly exists for this course to continue and we are currently looking for dates for Term Four. Stay tuned!
Scooters
As the spring weather brings more sunshine before and after school, more students are choosing to arrive independently each day.
It has come to our attention that a number of students (Year 7-9) have been traveling to school or bus stops using electric scooters. While we understand that these scooters are a convenient mode of transport, it is important to note that it is illegal for children under the legal age to ride electric scooters.
Our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of our students. Electric scooters can present significant risks, particularly when used by younger students who may not yet have the necessary skills or experience to safely navigate busy roads and pathways. Additionally, riding an electric scooter at their age can result in legal consequences. I have taken the liberty to include the information below from the Victorian Police website.
We kindly ask for your support in speaking with your child about safer, legal alternatives for traveling to school. We must work together to promote responsible decision-making and ensure the safety of our school community.
Thank you for your co-operation in addressing this matter. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please feel free to reach out.
R U OK? Week
This week marks the observance of Padua’s R U OK? Week (A student-led initiative from the Respectful Relationships Team), a time dedicated to checking in and supporting each other's mental well-being. Our campuses have already been buzzing with activities.
Highlighting the week is our 'Show Your North Star' competition, designed to recognise and reward students for embodying their best selves. Teachers are asked to distribute North Star stickers for acts of kindness, achievement, and positivity. Students then redeem the stickers for prizes:
- 1 sticker: Redeem for a cozy pair of socks to keep your feet warm and stylish.
- 2 stickers: Enter the raffle to win exciting prizes like hoodies, cups, and scarves.
- 3 stickers: Choose between a savory packet of chips or a refreshing Icy Pole.
Stalls were open on Thursday during break time at each campus, where students traded their stickers for these rewards.
This Month on SchoolTV
Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.
R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"
Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.
This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.
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