Principal and Assistant Principal
With Lockdown 6.0 continuing, we want to acknowledge the wonderful work, effort and commitment from our amazing staff, students and parents. Together we will continue to get through this challenging time.
Who knew we would be back to Remote Learning but here we are! Indeed all of our remote classes are commencing with a live Google Meet. This enables a strong sense of connection to continue with all of our amazing students.
It was with a heavy heart that we had to cancel our 2022 School Musical Production which was to have been Mary Poppins. The extended lockdowns and accompanying restrictions in the end made it not possible to continue.
Mikaela Fall, English + Drama Teacher and Producer, had this to say to our school community: “I want to re-iterate how immensely proud I have been of the cast this year. Their dedication and resilience has been nothing short of admirable, and they should all be extremely proud of what they have achieved. They took the news graciously and it truly highlights what an amazing group of students we have here at Warrandyte High School.”
We thank you again for your understanding. This was a decision we were hoping to never have to make. Our energy and focus will thus turn towards a huge and vibrant 2022 Musical Production.
On a bright note, our Year 11 students and a handful of our Year 12 students did manage to experience our amazing Northern Territory Kakadu extravaganza recently. Each year we offer this indelible opportunity to our Year 11 students. Last year, due to the pandemic, this annual experience was unable to proceed hence we were thrilled that a pocketful of Year 12s this year were able to attach themselves onto the Warrandyte High School 2021 Northern Territory Kakadu adventure.
Later in this edition of the Gang Gang, check out articles and pictures from the 2021 Kakadu Team.
S.Parkin + J. Caruana
Principal + Assistant Principal
VCE Northern Territory Experience
Warrandyte High in The Northern Territory
Despite the global pandemic and recurring lockdowns, recently a group of predominately Year 11 students from Warrandyte High School experienced 2 weeks of magic in the Northern Territory.
Here are some diary extracts that capture the unforgettable experience our students recently enjoyed:
Day 1: We left Melbourne on a flight to the Northern Territory! Students learnt how to set up their tents and later in the evening we watched a film at the moonlit Deck Chair Cinema at Lee Point Caravan Park.
Day 2: What a day! Litchfield National Park delivered for us amazing waterfalls and swimming holes!
Day 3 and 4: We visited Crocodylus Park where we watched some crocodiles be fed and we got to hold a baby crocodile! Yesterday we left camp at 5.45am for a sunrise river cruise at Yellow Waters. We saw a number of crocodiles, flora and fauna and watched the sun rise over the wetlands.
Day 5: We left Jabiru and made our way to Katherine. This morning we enjoyed a cruise through Katherine Gorge exploring the waterways, changing landscape and Aboriginal art.
Day 6: We enjoyed our swim in the hot springs at Mataranka yesterday. Today we visited the Devils Marbles on our way to Alice Springs
Day 7 and 8: Our two days in Alice Springs were great! We ventured to Simpsons Gap and had a group photo in the river bed. Last night we enjoyed a reptile show where we got to learn a lot about Australia’s replies -we got to hold them too! Onto King Canyon today!
Day 11 and 12: We ventured to Uluru, completing the 10km base walk around the sacred rock, what a sight! The sheer size of the rock is something that can never be erased from someone’s memory. We watched the spectacular sunset and admired Uluru as it changed from bright orange to crimson red and later to a deep brown.
You can find the full pictorial diary of this amazing experience our senior students enjoyed on the Warrandyte High School official Facebook Page.
Warrandyte High School offers this breathtaking Northern Territory experience each year to Year 11 students. Last year, due to Covid 19, this amazing adventure was not able to proceed. As a result, some Year 12 students joined the Year 11 students and teachers who embarked on this indelible adventure!
by Ashleigh Degering
The Magic of the Northern Territory Warrandyte High Experience
This year, Year 11s as well as a handful of Year 12s who unfortunately missed the opportunity last year due to the pandemic, were able to go on our annual Kakadu Trip of 2021.
Spending our first days in Darwin after our departure on July 8th, we took our time to settle into camp life on our first day. On the second we visited Stokes Hill Warf for a lovely dinner. Following our Stay in Darwin, we then headed to Litchfield National Park to visit the beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes available to the public.
One on my favourite memories will always be the amazing early morning cruise on Yellow Water River where we admired several wild crocodiles, as well as native flora and fauna. Onto Crocodylus Park, we were taken on a small tour where a select few fed crocodiles before proceeding to see a few other animals that resided at the park, such as monkeys, dingoes and emus.
I loved the town of Katherine which followed! This is where most of the day were spent on the bus but we were rewarded with a swim in the beautiful Katherine Hot Springs after our journey. A cruise through Katherine Gorge, exploring the waterways and the stories of the Rainbow Serpent commenced the following day.
Next, we stopped for a brief swim at Mataranka Hot Springs where Mr. Mason, our tour leader, met his doppelganger. We camped for the night at Banka Banka Station where we shared our favourite things we had experienced so far. This marked the halfway point of our trip.
Among my favourite experiences were the events of Day 7 and 8 in Alice Springs. Here, we ventured to Simpsons Gap where we took our annual stacks on photo before visiting The School of the Air where students from over 150km from Alice Springs attend school remotely. We spent Day 9 at the Aboriginal community station called Karrke where we assisted in the maintenance of their gardens that would provide them with food and bush medicine.
We were taken on a cultural tour, learning about the various bush tucker, medicine and animals found in the Australian bush. Day 10 we climbed and walked around Kings Canyon which totalled at 11km and took us 3 hours. We took in the amazing views and took a quiet moment at the Garden of Eden that lay deep within the canyon.
Our last day in the NT was spent completing the 10km base walk around Uluru and walking through the Walpa Gorge. We enjoyed our last night watching the sunset over Uluru where some students were fortunate enough to purchase some original artwork from Aboriginal artists.
This was trip absolutely breathtaking. I am so glad I got this chance to experience it. A big thank you to the amazing following teachers at Warrandyte High School who came with us and who made the experience so amazing: Mr. Mason, Miss. Fall, Miss. Degering and Miss. Milenkovic. Their outstanding efforts were truly appreciated.
India Robinson
Year 12 Student
Warrandyte High School
Kakadu Experience – Another Perspective
To be the transportation crew on the Warrandye High School Kakadu tour has been nothing but a pleasure. The students of Warrandyte High who experienced this opportunity are a credit to the school community. Their families and the teachers were just a dream to work with.
We thank you all very much and look forward to next year.
Aaron and Kathie, Bayside Coaches
The Warrandyte High School Learning Excellence Academic/Accelerated Program (LEAP)
A Year 7-9 program catering for high achieving and high ability students with VCE acceleration opportunities from Year 10 onwards.
- Features of a highly able student:
- Does your child enjoy asking questions and is curious?
- Is your child high performing in Maths and / or English?
- Would your child love to be in a class with like-minded peers where it is cool to ask questions?
- Would your child love to be in a class where it is cool to explore topics in greater depth?
- Does your child have a sense of social justice?
- Does your child love to read?
If any of the above questions apply to your child, then the WHS LEAP (Learning Excellence Academic/Accelerated Program) may be just the ticket.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The WHS LEAP (Learning Excellence Academic/Accelerated Program) is a 3 year program (Year 7-9) whereby students are extended and challenged academically in the areas of English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities. Less repetition features in these classes, the regular curriculum is able to be covered more rapidly allowing time for students to be really challenged and extended.
Students also participate in a range of other learning areas including the Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Technology, Sport and LOTE (Italian)
From Year 10, a range of exciting VCE opportunities become available.
A little about the Head of the WHS Learning Excellence Academic/Accelerated (LEAP) Program:
Having taught High Ability Programs in 3 different schools, in the areas of English and Mathematics, both in Australia and overseas, and having been the Head of the Select Entry Excellence Program at a former school prior to heading the Learning Excellence Academic (LEAP) Program at WHS, I have experienced first-hand just how rewarding and exciting it is for high ability like-minded students to be in a learning environment where it is completely okay to throw yourself into all of the learning activities.
In a learning environment with like-minded, highly motivated peers, students soon learn it is cool to raise your hand and participate in all class discussions and to ask questions.
J. Caruana, Assistant Principal
ENTRY INTO THE PROGRAM
LEAP testing day September 2, 2021
Entry into the WHS Learning Excellence Academic/Accelerated Program (LEAP) is by application only. This is a select entry program.
Students currently in Grade 6 need to complete an assessment conducted by Edutest on Thursday 2 September 2021. The testing will commence at 9am and will conclude at 12noon. There will be a break for morning tea, hence students are invited to bring along something for morning tea.
To register your child for testing and consideration, please follow the link:
https://aus.edutest.com.au/D/?t=ZNZ47273
Registrations for the program will close on August 24, 2021. Late registrations will close on August 26, 2021.


AFL Program
A few words from the coach of the Warrandyte High School AFL Sports Academy Coach:
I wanted to give you a quick update on some exciting things I’m planning for the AFL Academy students.
Firstly, we have planned for Ola (our sports nutritionist) to come in and speak to students in two separate presentations (back to back weeks) regarding the basics of a healthy sports diet and training and game-day nutrition/hydration. This will provide some awesome AFL specific insights for students around some nutritional changes they can make to improve their game.
Secondly, I’ve organised for a professional sports psychologist (and ex-Olympian!) to come in and also present to students the basics of sports psychology and the growing importance of the industry at the elite sporting level.
Lastly (and most exciting), I’m planning an AFL Academy excursion (should restrictions allow) to attend the MCG for a guided tour of the ground and the incredible Australian Sports Museum.
Just some of the exciting details regarding the WHS Sports Academy – AFL Program!
Hugh Schaeche
AFL Coach
Sports Academy
Warrandyte High School

SPORTS ACADEMY 2022 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students. We are inviting expressions of interest NOW for our 2022 Sports Academy Basketball Program and our 2022 Sports Academy AFL Program.
Our Sports Academy is open to all students, girls and boys, from Year 7 through to and including Year 11. Students can choose to participate in either the Sports Academy Basketball Program or the Sports Academy AFL Program.
Both programs are run by a professional and externally appointed coach. Over 4 hours (almost 5 hours) each week is devoted towards both the AFL and the Basketball Academy.
Both the Sports Academy Basketball Program and the AFL Program are intensive skill building and fitness training programs happening right here at Warrandyte High School. The cost for the year is $1750 – this includes a training top, excursions, competition opportunities and special guests. In 2021, special guests included a sports psychologist, a nutritionist, a tackling coach (AFL), a personal trainer (Basketball) and guests associated with the NBL.
To learn more about our amazing Sports Academy Basketball and AFL Programs, please visit our website www.warrandytehigh.vic.edu.au
We are inviting non-binding expressions of interest NOW for the 2022 Basketball and AFL Sports Academy Program.
Expressions of Interest close on September 15, 2021.
To register your interest or to forward any questions, simply email Joseph Caruana, Assistant Principal. Joseph.Caruana@education.vic.gov.au


Student Well-being – E Safety Workshop
Year 7 & 8 – E Safety Student Workshops
Due to COVID, the Optus Digital Thumbprint E safety workshops for term 2 were rescheduled for term 3.
Year 7 Cybersecurity Workshop
Students learnt about the importance of protecting personal information by creating strong passwords and enabling privacy settings on all social media. They gained insights into how easily and far information can spread when posting on the internet and were taken through how to turn their privacy settings on in Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook.
How secure is your password?
www.howsecureismypassword.net
Year 8 Cyberbullying Workshop
Students explored the importance of critically thinking about what they post on social media & why. How to respond to disrespectful online behaviours and how to stay safe in the online world.
Issues discussed included consent online, image-based abuse, and the tools they have to positively support themselves and their peers.
Please refer to the following link for further comprehensive parent information and support from the e safety commissioner, an independent statutory office supported by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
www.esafety.gov.au
Fiona Keech
Adolescent Health Nurse



MATHS WEEK AT WARRANDTYE HIGH
Mathematics is a strong curriculum focus here at Warrandyte High School.
Currently we have Year 7 and 8 students participating in the High Ability Mathematics Program, this is a program designed to further challenge and meet the academic needs of strong mathematics students.
The big VCE mathematics subjects including Maths Methods, Specialist Maths and Further Maths always attract a plethora of students.
Recently, to further celebrate Maths Week, students were invited to participate in a host of fun yet educational Mathematical problem- solving tasks, riddles and quizzes. Here is a sample of some of the interesting and fun material which further engaged our young mathematical minds:
Are monsters good at math?
Not unless you Count Dracula
What is the butterfly’s favorite subject in school?
Mothematics
How do you make time fly?
Throw a clock out the window!
Why is six afraid of seven?
Because seven eight nine!
Why did seven eat nine?
Because you’re supposed to eat 3 squared meals a day!
Why was the math book sad?
It had a lot of problems
What did the spelling book say to the math book?
“I know I can count on you!”
Why did the two fours skip lunch?
They already eight!
How are a dollar and the moon similar?
Thye both have four quarters!
Did yiou hear the one about the statistician?
Probably.

Warrandyte High School House Athletics carnival
With a change of venue required for the 2021 House Athletics carnival due to the pandemic, Warrandyte High School arrived at Box Hill Athletics track with a bang and ready for some tight events.
Whilst the day was a little overcast, the rain stayed away to enable some great competition with a large group of enthusiastic, passionate and motivated students ready to try their best for claim house victory.
Armies of Warrandyte High School students descended on Box Hill Athletics Track full of colour and with loud voices ready to run, jump, throw and cheer their houses to victory.
The participation level was extremely high with many track events requiring heats and field events being extremely busy. Many events were tightly contested with 8 new records being re-written. Congratulations goes to Olivia Jennings who broke the 17yr 400m, 17yr 800m and 17yr high jump, Georgia D’Amico who broke the 20yr javelin, Jacob Broad who broke the 20yr javelin and Summer Davis who broke the 16yr Javelin record.
A special mention to Jamie Guymer who broke the 14yr high jump record which had stood since 1985 and the 14yr 200m record which had stood since 1988. I am sure these records will be written in Warrandyte history for many years to come. It was a fantastic effort from all students involved gaining valuable points for their house. In the end it was a closely contested day with final results coming down to final events and relays. Michel were awarded House Athletics Champions for 2021. Congratulations Michel.
The final points tally was:
Michel – 1033
Anderson – 1019
Stiggant – 860
Newman – 814
In addition, a House Athletics Champion Trophy was awarded to one student from each house. These students were recognized for gaining the most number of points for their house and for their eager participation on the day.
The House Athletics Champions were:
Michel – Olivia Jennings
Anderson – Jamie Guymer
Stiggant – Atalia Kelly
Newman – Teagan Potter
Students who won an event will now progress through to the Mullum Division Athletics competition being held later in Term 3, Covid allowing. We wish all these students the best of luck and am sure they will challenge themselves to give 100% and represent the school with pride. Hopefully some of these students can also put their names in the record books for the Mullum Division for some time to come to.
The day is not only about recognising athletic success but also about building house spirit, leadership and cross year level friendships for all students as well as students and teachers building relationship outside the classroom setting. As part of this students were awarded as being best dressed on the day.
Each year we see more amazing costumes which resulted in an even tighter content for best dressed. There were many students recognised for the amazing costumes of which some included homemade inventions, coloured hair and group themes including bananas in pyjamas. The eventual winners of the best dressed completion were;
Bratz dolls – Meg Callow, Maddie Trewella and Grace Lloyd
Thing 1 and Thing 2 – Hayley Sipthorp & Siena Rohde
Adele Goudge
Jack Sparrow – India Robinson
Joker – Charlie Deakin
A special mention must also be made of the Year 12 students who went way beyond expectations with their costumes. It was fantastic to see so many of them involved both on and off the track and thoroughly enjoying their last house competition.
At the athletics sports students are not only recognised for their sporting abilities but also their contribution to their team and demonstration of leadership skills. The eight house captains must be commended on their efforts on the day to encourage all students.
Students from all houses and year levels were also able to demonstrate their leadership skills by helping at events by undertaking roles such as racking, measuring, handing round snacks and warm drinks to staff running events and helping with timing. This enabled those students not as keen to participate in events to still gain valuable points to their house. A special thank you to all students who helped out at events on the day but in particular to Grace Jones and Nimo who spent the day at different events helping staff.
I would also like to personally acknowledge and thank Jacob Broad who went above and beyond in helping with Javelin. From the start of the day he was heavily involved in helping run the event and when the teacher was required to attend to another situation Jacob used his leadership skills and initiative to keep the event running so that students will had the opportunity to compete in the event. Student helpers make the day run a lot smoother and the teachers were greatly appreciative of your help.
A big thank you also goes to all the staff who contributed to making the 2021 House Athletics Carnival a successful and enjoyable day. It was an extremely busy day for all staff either running events, recording results, marshalling students, supervising, cooking a BBQ lunch for staff and students and encouraging all students to do their best.
K.Cook
The Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional festival among Asian countries. It is on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar every year. In China, it was originally a festival to commemorate Yuan QU, a famous poet during the Warring States period since he suicided on that day. People tried to find his dead body in the river with boats and fed fish with the rice puddings to prevent the dead body of the poet to be eaten by fish.
That’s where the dragon boat competition and making rice puddings came from. Other than having the boat competition and eating rice puddings, people also hanged herbs outside the door frame to keep the evil gods away. The customs vary in different areas in Asia. Nowadays, people used this day to clean their house and wish to stay away from bad lucks.
In order to make our international students feel at home, our international student program prepared some rice puddings for them. We wish our international students stay safe and warm and have a good result in their exams.
Heidi LUO
International Student Coordinator
Warrandyte High School House Cross Country
On Thursday 6 May Warrandyte High School ran its annual house cross country competition. Whilst the weather was a little cold in the morning it cleared to be perfect running conditions by midday. Students from year 9 – 12 signed up to participate whilst all students in Years 7 and 8 participated. In the end there were many great races however Stiggant ended up dominating the event. The final results being;
First – Stiggant 236 points
Second – Newman 104 points
Third – Michel 101 points
Fourth – Anderson 76 points.
Lots of races were closely contested with some great times being recorded. On the day 1 record was broken. Kye Hunter broke the 16 year old male record running the 5km in in a time of 20:27.88.
A group of 40 students will now go on to represent the school at the division cross country being held at the end of May. We wish all students the bests of luck at the next round and hope to see many of them completing personal best times and going through to the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Finals.
Divisional Cross Country
54 students from Year 7 – 12 represented Warrandyte High School at the divisional cross country. This is one of the largest teams the school has sent in the past few years with particular high participation from the 13 year old male and female groups.
Whilst the weather forecast for the day was not great, all students were keen to do their best and this is exactly what they did. There were some great results on the day with Rafael Martini coming 3rd in the 15 year old male event and Kye Hunter coming 2nd in the 16 year old male event.
When the final results were released, Warrandyte High School came in 4th overall. A fantastic effort from all competitors. It was also fantastic to see the students across year levels encouraging members of the Warrandyte High School team as they completed the course.
Approximately 8 students will progress through to the EMR Finals due to be held later in the year, Covid permitting. We wish all the students the best of luck and well done to all those involved in the divisional competition.
Boys Netball
Year 7 – 10 Boys Netball Teams took part in the Junior and Intermediate Interschool Competition.
What a wet, bone chilling day of sport! Despite the cool weather, downpour and slippery courts, the boys demonstrated a fantastic effort in the wet weather.
I would also like to commend their sportsmanship and teamwork. Special mention to the Year 7 boys who came together to win a number of their games and showed great interest in improving their understanding of the Netball rules.
Our students in Year 7, 8 and 10 all progressed to finals, with our Year 10 boys placing third overall. Well done to all!
K.Cook
Sport

How fire-safe is your school community?
Bushfire Resilience Inc. Free Webinar Series
As you will be aware Nillumbik Shire is one of the most bushfire prone municipalities in the state and the shire was severely impacted by the Black Saturday fires of 2009.
Bushfire Resilience Inc. (BRI) is a local community organisation whose aim is to provide bushfire information to households based on science, experience and best practice. This will enable households to acquire knowledge, and by being better informed, empower them to make better decisions in preparing for, and responding to the threat of bushfire.
BRI’s primary target audience is the Nillumbik community, however we also want to engage with surrounding at-risk communities.
bushfireresilience.org.au/about describes
BRI’s 2020 activities including feedback from households. BRI’s webinar series has the support of the CFA.
The following information may assist you:
bushfireresilience.org.au
bushfireresilience.org.au/promo provides information you can choose to use.
Webinar 19 August 7.30pm
Your physical and emotional preparation
An expert panel including Dr Rob Gordon will provide vital information on how to look after yourself, family and friends in the event of bushfire.
Webinar 1 September 7.30pm
Triggers to take action
Hear from Dr Kevin Tolhurst and an expert panel what you should consider when developing your bushfire plan and knowing when to take action on high-risk fire days.
Webinar 15 September 7.30pm
Your sheltering options
Dr Raphael Blanchi from the CSIRO and an expert panel will explain why the best-laid plans sometimes do not work out. What are your survival options if this happens to you?
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Bushfire Resilience
Yours sincerely
Bushfire Resilience Inc.
PO Box 1144
Research 3095
admin@bushfireresilience.org.au
Humanities
Opportunity for WHS Students in Years 9 to 11 to be awarded a $2,500 scholarship through learning about the sacrifice of our veterans
I would like to bring to your attention the opportunity for students in Years 9 to 11 to be awarded a $2,500 scholarship from the Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize competition.
The Spirit of ANZAC Prize competition is a Victorian Government initiative which aims to build awareness of the enormous contributions made by Victoria’s veterans.
Students can enter the competition by responding to and reflecting on a prompt about the Spirit of ANZAC and how it represents resilience, courage, endurance, ingenuity, mateship, and good humour. They can submit their responses in a range of formats including essay, artwork, video, audio, music, webpage or poem.
Students are encouraged to explore the topic from a personal perspective, including seeking out the views of veterans in the Eastern Metropolitan Region community if possible – potentially including their own family members.
Selected students will receive $2,500 to support educational and co-curricular experiences and expenses, which will be administered by their school. In previous years students have travelled in Australia and overseas but the COVID-19 pandemic has meant this option isn’t available.
The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize began in 2005 and has since been awarded to more than 500 students.
Applications for the prize this year will close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 August. For more information, the full topic and eligibility criteria, and what the $2,500 can be spent on, students and schools should visit www.vic.gov.au/soap
Year 10 Road Smart
Is your child learning to drive?
In conjunction to completing the virtual Road Smart session delivered to students, Year 10 students are now eligible to receive a FREE in-car session with an approved instructor, once they have their Learners Permit. Road Smart understand students will have this process delayed at the moment but it is valid until they are 19.
Visit Road Smart to find out more on how to redeem the FREE driving lesson.
Please email roadsmart@roads.vic.gov.au should you require any assistance with accessing the free driving lesson.
(Please note that this does not replace the METEC excursion which has been postponed due to the current lockdown.)
Local Road Smart accredited driving instructor details:-
Andrea’s A.C.E Driving Academy
Suburb: Warranwood
Contact: Andrew Moran/Andrea Moran
Mobile: 0409 966 695/ 0409 424 436
Email: andrew.moran@team.telstra.com/apmoran@bigpond.net.au
Diamond Drivers
Suburb: Diamond Creek
Contact: Katrina Mauldon
Mobile: 0403 219 907
Email: diamonddrivers@mail.com
Ready for the Road Driving School
Suburb: Vermont
Contact: Michael Villani
Mobile: 0429961014
email: mvillani@bigpond.com
Excel Drive School
Suburb: Coldstream
Contact: Andy Coleman
Mobile: 0455342804
email: coleman_andy@outlook.com
121 Driving Academy
Suburb: Burwood East
Contact: Sridhar Ramaiah
Mobile: 0421 935 331
Email: sridhar5@tpg.com.au
Olivia Huang
Suburb: Burwood
Mobile: 0401 975 021
Email: auswellux@hotmail.com
Christena Gazeas
Humanities + Student Services
Remote Learning

LOCKDOWN 6.0 greetings!
Check out some Lockdown selfies of our students have taken with their pets! Indeed their pets are very happy to have this extra time at home with our students!
D.Bradbury + L.Naidoo
Technology
Well Being at Warrandyte High School
6 Tips for talking to your Parents about Mental Health.
Talking to your parents/carers about your mental health can be tricky. By doing a little planning ahead, you can make the conversation a lot easier. Remember: there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Telling someone how you feel can be a big relief! If you don’t feel like you can talk to your parents, speak to someone else you trust.
1. Plan ahead and write down what you want to say
Focus on the impact of how you’ve been feeling. You could say: ‘I haven’t been spending time with my friends because I’ve been feeling depressed’ or ‘I’ve been finding it hard to get involved in class because I’ve been feeling anxious.’
2. Prepare for how they might react
If they say that what you’re describing sounds normal, you could say: ‘This is more than a bad mood. I don’t know how to manage this on my own.’
If they make you feel guilty for how you’re feeling, you could say: ‘I don’t want to feel this way, which is why I think I need some extra help.’
Even very loving parents may be shocked, or even react defensively, if they feel they’re to blame for your current difficulties. Give them some time to process things, and perhaps get a friend, family member or health professional to help you have the conversation.
3. Consider putting what you want to say in writing
If you’re feeling really nervous about having a conversation with your parents, write them a letter, email or text to start the discussion.
4. Pick a good time and place
Try to pick a place where you’ll have your parents’ full attention (e.g. at home on a Sunday afternoon when there’s nothing much happening, or on a family walk, rather than in the car when you’re rushing to get to school).
Try to choose a time when you and your parents are all feeling relaxed and open to having a conversation.
5. Let your parents know how they can help
Your parents or carers may not know how to help. Have a think about ways they can support you (e.g., by booking a GP/psychologist appointment or checking in regularly with you about how you’re feeling).
You could also let them know what isn’t helpful (e.g., asking how you are too often).
6. Get extra support
If you are at school, a school counsellor can help you to practise the conversation or talk with your parents about what’s going on with you.
You could also speak to a psychologist or counsellor (or a helpline like Kids Helpline) for advice on having the conversation.
If you already see a mental health professional, you could consider inviting your parents or carers into a session, to have some support in opening up a conversation about what’s happening for you.
It can be challenging to process and manage changes to routines and the uncertainty that comes with COVID-19 and related restrictions – including moving to remote learning.
To support our school community during this time, resources and support are available for parents, carers and families.
These resources will help to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students and the young people in our care during this time.
I encourage everyone in our community to access these resources and take care of themselves during this time.
Services and support for students and their families
A Quick Guide to Student Mental Health and Wellbeing resources is available for students, parents and carers looking to access expert guidance and resources to support wellbeing.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students remains our priority this year, especially during the continued COVID-19 pandemic and while students are learning from home during the current circuit breaker restrictions.
For students, the guide includes resources to support their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Advice and resources for students about ways to adapt their learning during COVID-19, to look after themselves and where to get help.
- Wellbeing activities fearing AFL and AFLW players with tips on managing stress, staying active and gratitude.
- Kick it with Victory physical activities with Melbourne Victory Football Club.
- Smiling Mind mindfulness activities for senior secondary school students, including short videos, online tip sheets and meditations
The guide also includes resources and supports for parents and carers to help them build their child’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. This includes:
- Resources to support children’s physical, mental health and wellbeing
- Wellbeing activities and conversation starters
- Raising Learners podcast series
- How to talk to your child about COVID-19.
Wellbeing guidance for parents and carers is also available on the Department’s website, or through the confidential parent support hotline, Parentline, available 8am to midnight, seven days a week. Phone: 13 22 89.
You can also reach out to school staff:
Jo Miller – Wellbeing Leader
Christena Gazeas – Head of Student Services
Luke Mason – Year 7-8 Level Leader
Leanne Zammit – Y9-10 Level Leader
Mikaela Fall – Year 11-12 Level Leader
Jo Miller Wellbeing
VET SPORT AND RECREATION and YEAR 10 PE
The Year 10 VET Sport and Recreation, Year 10 PE and Year 11 VET Sport and Recreation class participated in a session of goalball run by ExSight Sports.
Goalball is a unique sport, designed exclusively for athletes with a vision impairment. Goalball’s distinctive competition atmosphere sets it apart from any other sporting experience. The games are required to be kept silent as 3 players on each team, who are completely blindfolded by “blackout” eyeshades, use their entire body to block a 1.25kg audible ball from making it into the opponent’s goal.
Goalball is a great sports activity where students are blind folded and challenged to concentrate to use their hearing, tactile and non-sighted communication senses and skills. It promotes awareness and understanding whilst also enabling students to participate in a vision impaired sport which encourages cooperation, integration and inclusion, development of auditory awareness, sound localization and tracking skills, development of communication within a team, development of body awareness, independent movement and gross motor skills and being involved in a competitive sport in a fun, supportive environment.
For the VET Sport and Recreation students, they were also focusing on what it is like to be a beginner at a skill, different coaching styles, modification of equipment, communication skills and being inclusive of all as they prepare for coaching the year 7 students in sport education and also the grade 3&4 students at Warrandyte Primary School.
It was a fantastic learning experience for the students where they gained a real appreciation for the challenges sight impaired athletes face when participating in sports and how sports can be modified to be inclusive. Students also gained an appreciation for being a beginner in a sport and had a hands-on experience of the best way to coach beginners in a sport.
It was fantastic to see all the students participating and developing their skills in a brand new sport whilst completely blind throughout the session.
Katie Cook
Sports Coordinator
