What a Term!
Breakfast Clubs, The Push-Up Challenge & Toolbox Sessions – A lot has been happening on the Junior Campus this term! Our Year 7 & Year 8 students are truly in the swing of things with their schooling here at MWSC.
As we reach the half-way point of the school year, it is important to reflect and acknowldge the challenges that Term 2 can bring as well. During this term many of the JC Students undertake a variety of CATs relative to their individual classroom subjects. These CATs can lead to many student becoming overwhelmed and anxious due to not only the preparation for these tasks but the results they can bring as well.
In recognising this signifcant part of Term 2, I would like to acknowledge all our students across Year 7 & Year 8 (especially our Year 7s) for the perseverance you have shown in getting through your CATs over the last few weeks. I trust you have felt not only a sense of relief but a sense of pride that you managed to navigate the demands of these tasks to the best of your ability; The road may be bumpy, but we can find a way around.
With this in mind, as we approach the end of Term 2 and head into the school holidays, looking after outselves and being mindful of Self-Care is hugely important. The demands of Term 2 can take a toll on both our physical and mental health and it is important that we recognise this – Changes in our mood, changes in our motivation levels, feeling tired and being less social can all be small indicators that we may be out of balance and need a reset.
Our self-awareness in noticing these indicators is perhaps our greatest ally in doing what we need to regain our balance. Although it may be complicated to know what we can do, I assure it is not.
As a start, being able to recognise what you enjoy doing is a great start in re-finding your balance: Whether it be reading, playing sport, spending time with loved ones, going for a walk, playing games or focussing on your daily habits such as sleeping well and eating wholesome foods– these are all things we can engage in to give ourselves that refresh.
Most importantly – Everyone is individual and every person has their own activites/hobbies/outlets that they enjoy so whatever works for you is a great start!
If you are needing some more guidance around the aspect of Self-Care please see the information below which outlines more tips & strategies for Self Care.
As always, the Wellbeing Team on the Junior Campus is here to meet with Students who are wanting to further debrief around any matters that are presenting as a challenge. Located in LA61, the Wellbeing Team also offers a space for students to regulate from the demands of the school day should these become to much – We all need a break at times!
As the Mental Health Practioner for the Junior Campus I am more than happy to meet with students for appointments to discuss their matters further in a confidential space. Students can easily arrange a time to meet with myself by either speaking to their Coordinators, drop by the Space in LA61 or reach out to myself directly at bmi@mwsc.vic.edu.au. Parents are also able to reach out to the Wellbeing Team by contacting the school directly.
With respect to this, I also recognise that accessing support at school may be a bit daunting and may not be suited to everyone. As such, please see the helpful contact numbers below of agencies you can reach out to for support:
- Headspace: www.headspace.org.au – Online and telephone mental health support (aged 12-25)
- Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 – Online and telephone support for young people (aged 0-24)
- Life Line: 13 11 14 – Telephone support for people of all ages
- Monash Youth Services: https://www.monashyouthorg.au/Home offering case management support to students who reside or study in the City of Monash.
- Child and Youth Mental Health Service: 1300 721 927 – Support for young people experiencing distress or severe emotional disturbance.
- Parent Line: 13 22 89 – Support for parents of young people (aged 0-18)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au – Supporting everyone to achieve their best possible mental health
Trust everyone will have a restful school holidays and I look forward to supporting all stduents in Term 3!
As a last reminder: Breakfast Club will continue in Semester 2 on a Monday & Wednesday Mornings from 8:15am in LA37. Year 7 Social Club will continue on a Monday & Wednesday recess and lunch in LA61 and Year 8 Social Club will continue on a Thursday & Friday recess and lunch in LA61. Hope to see you there!!
Self Care for Students
EAT We all need to refuel. But sometimes when we’re stressed, our habits can change – maybe we eat junk food, or don’t feel like eating at all. It is important to focus on eating foods that will provide you with the nutrients you need.
HYDRATE Try to increase your water intake and decrease your caffeine intake. Caffeine has been shown to create a stress reaction in your body and might cause you to feel nervous, irritable or restless.
SLEEP Getting a healthy number of hours each night helps you to better deal with the stresses of everyday life.
MOVE Being physically active has many positive effects on your health. It increases your energy, enhances your immune system, reduces insomnia, stimulates brain growth and has been shown to decrease feelings of sadness.
ENJOY Take time to discover things you enjoy. Do things that make you feel good as often as you can. It may not be what others find fun, and that’s okay! We’re all different. Maybe there’s a book you want to read, a show or movie you’ve been meaning to watch, a skill you’ve been interested in, or something new!
CONNECT Strong social connections are one of the most powerful influences on our mood and mental health. Spending time with friends and family help to increase your levels of happiness. Getting involved in something bigger than yourself or doing nice things for others can give you a mental health boost. If you can’t see the people you care about every day, send them a text or make a phone call; it will make their day and yours!
PAUSE Make sure to take time for yourself during the day, to listen to music, take a few deep breaths, meditate, write in a gratitude journal.
RECOGNIZE Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative, as part of your self-care. Finding a healthy outlet to process your emotions and positive self-talk, although always important, is super important during stressful times. When thinking, ask yourself? Is this helpful/true? If not, challenge yourself to find a positive/true alternative. Remember to speak kindly to yourself, everyone has good and bad days. Don’t be too hard on yourself!
REFLECT Take time to think about what’s important to you. It can be easy to get caught up in the negative messages, instead look for kindness and positivity. This can come in different forms like people doing good things for others or positive posts on social media.
REPEAT Did you know that trying a new skill, habit, or routine for 21 days in a row will increase the likelihood of maintaining this new practice?
Mr Michael Barbas
Mental Health Practitioner – Junior Campus