Healthy School News

IDAHOBIT and Stand Out Group

A few weeks ago, our school community proudly came together to celebrate IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia). The day began with students and staff raising the LGBTQIA+ Flag, which flew with pride over the weekend and was lowered on Monday. The day was celebrated with a myriad of lunchtime activities, including fairy bread, temporary tattoos, free pride flags, and pins!

The day also marked the launch of a new NGSC Initiative: Stand Out. Stand Out is an all-inclusive group, dedicated to discussing and promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, respect, and normalisation within our school. We at Stand Out take pride in offering a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals and allies from all year levels.

Stand Out meets every Wednesday during lunchtime in B01, supported by our wonderful school nurse and Wellbeing Team. Together, we plan for upcoming events and activities, and we warmly welcome your ideas and input. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or an ally, you belong here, and we would truly love to see you there.

Jack Burgess (Year 12 student)

The Koori Ways Vaping Prevention and Education Program

Our Year 7 First Nations students have taken part in The Koori Ways program. Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative delivered a five-week educational program. Ben from Wathaurong led the program, which was supported by NGSC’s Koorie Coordinator and Secondary School Nurse. The Koori Way Program focused on educating students about the dangers of smoking and vaping, as well as the benefits of avoiding these activities.

Art Therapy Update

The Art Therapy Program continues to run successfully on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, providing students with valuable opportunities to express themselves creatively while developing social, emotional, and communication skills.

Currently, 53 students are actively engaged in the program. Participants enjoy a variety of hands-on and collaborative art experiences, exploring different artistic mediums and techniques. Recent activities have included collaborative art projects and creative works using wet felting, allowing students to develop new skills while working together in a supportive environment.

The program offers a safe and inclusive space where students can build confidence, enhance their wellbeing, and experience the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression.

If you are interested in learning more about the program or would like to take part, please see Tina in Wellbeing for further information.

School Pets Supporting Wellbeing

Our Wellbeing Team continues to welcome our school dog, Dobby, into the school several days each week. Recently, Sooty has also joined our school pet team, further enhancing the positive impact these special companions have on our school community.

The presence of our school pets brings joy, comfort, and many smiles to both students and staff. They provide valuable support in promoting student wellbeing, helping students to regulate their emotions, reduce anxiety, and feel more connected and settled throughout the school day.

Our school pets enjoy spending time with students and staff, participating in wellbeing activities, and mingling within the school community. Their calm and friendly nature creates opportunities for positive interactions and supports a welcoming and inclusive school environment.

We are grateful for the many benefits our school pets bring and look forward to continuing this valuable wellbeing initiative.

Mental Health Supports for Students over the Holidays

The Victorian Government has developed mental health support, resources and advice for students and families to access over the school holidays. Two fact sheets for students and families have been developed in 19 different languages to:

• support positive mental health and wellbeing of students
• identify signs students may need mental health support
• access available support.

Please visit the link for more information Mental health supports for students over school holidays | vic.gov.au