Term 3 Wellbeing Initiatives
At Damascus College we place a high priority on the wellbeing of all our students. Over the coming term there are several different wellbeing initiatives tailored to certain year levels. These will help foster the holistic development of each individual and build essential life skills, which are crucial when navigating social situations, managing emotions and building resilience.
Social Media – Year 7
On Monday 28 July, the Year 7 cohort took part in a Social Media Presentation led by Cr Des Hudson. Topics included online safety, respectful relationships and responsible decision making. Des has had an extensive career with Victoria Police and his insights and advice were both informative and challenging. As our Year 7 students move further into their teenage years, they will be faced with many a scenario where responsible decisions must be made independently, which will have lasting impacts on friendships, their reputation and not least their digital footprint. I would strongly encourage you, as the primary educator of your child, to have a follow up conversation at home regarding the above presentation.
Seeing Through the Haze – Year 8
On Friday 15 August, the Year 8’s will take part in an educational session “Seeing through the haze”, which will be delivered by Ballarat Community Health. The aim of this session is to deepen student’s understanding of the risks associated with vaping and smoking, while encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, which in these formative years it is imperative that lifelong habits are formed. This initiative supports the Year 8 Health curriculum and hearing this message from an external source can only enhance and deepen what has been taught in the classroom and broader conversations that have been had in the household.
Digital Thumbprint – Year 7-10
Friday 29 August, will see “Digital Thumbprint” present to Years 7- 10’s. Digital Thumbprint is endorsed by the eSafety Commissioner as a trusted eSafety provider program. The program teaches students the advantages of a positive online presence to ensure they are safe online whilst learning essential digital safety skills that also align with our curriculum.
Year 8 (Period 1)
Protecting your personal information – With hackers, scammers and fake friends reaching young people online this session will explain what digital defence moves there are to stop cyber criminals.
Year 10 (Period 3)
Digital Identity – This workshop provides students with the opportunity to examine their social media profiles and posts through the lens of a boss who is in the process of hiring and then during employment. At the conclusion of the session students should understand how to improve their online identity for future success and safety.
Year 9 (Period 4)
Social Media - Has the power to influence society, and our friends, for the better. Students work through scenarios and practice discernment to see through online media and problem solve for a safe and healthy online solution.
Year 7 (Period 5)
Respectful online relationships – This workshop discuss consent online, image-based abuse, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence, and the tools they must have to positively support themselves and their peers.
For more information, please go to www.digitalthumbprint.com.au
Year 8 “Live4Life” Program
Throughout Term 3, Year 8’s will take part in the Live4Life program, which is a nationally recognised mental health education initiative designed to empower regional and rural communities to support young people’s mental health. Students will participate in three sessions, which aim to educate, reduce stigma and increase help seeking behaviour among our young people. Topics include the introduction to general mental health problems, informing where professional help can be sought, creating a self-action plan, being able to identify when a friend may be suffering mental health problems and how best to support them, and reflecting on scenarios to explore strategies for self-care and ongoing support.
Resources for Parents
Live4Life
https://www.live4life.org.au/
Beyond Blue | 24/7 Support for Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Prevention - Beyond Blue
Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation
How Far is Too Far? - Eating Disorders Victoria
Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800
Lifeline Australia - 13 11 14 - Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
A big thanks to our Leader of Positive Behaviour for Learning, Mitch Jolly and our Leader of Student Wellbeing, Hannah Keating, for organising the above initiatives. As part of our commitment to educating the whole person, we strongly believe that offering educational sessions will encourage informed decision making into the future for your loved one.
Thank you for your continued support in promoting the wellbeing of our students and please never hesitate to reach out to any members of our Wellbeing Team at the college.
Gavin Webb
Acting Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing