The Student Services team would like to introduce Niky and Aadya. Both are completing their Masters of Counselling through Monash University. Niky and Aadya will be with GSC in Term 4, 2023 and Term 1, 2024 providing 1 on 1 counselling and small group support.

WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE

The Week Without Violence is an initiative created by YWCA, USA in 1995. Over the past two decades, organisations around the world have hosted community events to end violence against women. This year’s theme is ‘Listen, Believe, Connect: Connect with organisations and people who can help.’

Every year hundreds of people mark the WWV by painting T-shirts. The Clothesline Project concept is simple: each participant expresses their feelings about family violence, on a T-shirt.

This year every Greenvale Secondary College student had an opportunity to participate in this activity. The results were outstanding!

Prevention of violence starts with modelling respectful relationships and having conversations with your children and young people. For support around having these conversations please see the links below:

• ReachOut Parents: Chatting to your teen about domestic violence – YouTube
• Violence against women: prevention | Raising Children Network

If you or anyone you know needs support or advice please see the link and helplines below:

NIFVS | GETTING HELP

• Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (24 hours): 1800 015 188
• Berry Street Northern Family & Domestic Violence Service (03) 9450 4700
• The Orange Door, North East Melbourne 1800 319 355

PAT CRONIN FOUNDATION

Greenvale Secondary College invited the Pat Cronin Foundation to come and speak to the Year 7 students during the Week Without Violence. In partnership with schools, Pat Cronin Foundation is hoping to end social violence that destroys young lives.

The information session provided students with a better understanding of how to deal with anger before it becomes aggression. Students were shown how a single decision can have life-lasting consequences. Students also discussed and developed an awareness of strategies that suits them and their friends.

STATE SCHOOL RELIEF

We have just been informed by State School Relief that a number of changes are going to take effect from the 27th of November, 2023.

These changes include:

• Rather than part reimbursement per item, all vouchers issued from 27th November have a dollar value
• Each voucher will have a value of $85
• There will now be a limit of 1 voucher per application and a maximum of 3 vouchers per student/per calendar year
• SSR vouchers will be valid for 3 months from the date of issue
• Vouchers can be used to purchase any item/s at any uniform supplier or school shop.

As a result I would encourage you to make contact with the school prior to this date if you have uniform needs for your child for 2024 and you meet the criteria for State School Relief Support.

Please note that State School Relief do not have text book vouchers for 2023/2024.

UNIFORM AND TEXT BOOKS DONATIONS

The end of the year is near and we are planning for 2024.
We are aware that purchasing school uniforms and school books are expensive and the school tries to assist where possible. We have been asked about second-hand books and uniforms and in the past, this has been difficult being a brand-new school. Moving into 2024 as our 3rd year of functioning we hope to have second-hand texts and uniforms on offer. 

If you have any school uniforms or textbooks you would like to donate to the school we would be more than happy to take these items off your hands to be included in a second hand store at the school.

NOVEMBER WELLBEING TOPIC

Resilience:

The weather in Melbourne sometimes reflects our life. One minute the sun is shining, providing instant energy and warmth. Then, the wind unexpectantly blows, nearly knocking us off our feet. Building resilience in our students supports these occasions.

Many people believe that resilience is just about one’s ability to bounce back. Resilience is so much more than that. Resilience is about building the skills to be able to endure hardships.

Resilience is the ability to adapt to difficult situations. When stress, adversity or trauma strikes, you still experience anger, grief and pain, but you’re able to keep functioning — both physically and psychologically. However, resilience isn’t about putting up with something difficult, being stoic or figuring it out on your own. In fact, being able to reach out to others for support is a key part of being resilient.

KIDS HELPLINE EXPLAINS RESILIENCE

Resilience is what allows us to get through tough times and get back up on our feet.

Resilience might look something like this:

‘Bouncing back’ and moving forward after tough times.

Dealing with challenges and still getting through your day-to-day.

Being a problem-solver.

Being adaptable and flexible – you can go with the flow!

Standing up for yourself.

Coping with life is being able to handle both the good and the not-so-good stuff that life throws at you.

Having healthy strategies. Healthy strategies are like good plans to feel better when things are difficult. It’s like having a secret recipe to stay strong and happy inside.

Emotional toughness and your strength from inside.

Giving things a go and trying your best.

Having a ‘growth mindset’ – you know that by trying, learning, and not giving up you can do anything!

TIPS TO IMPROVE RESILIENCE

• Get connected. Building strong, positive relationships with loved ones and friends can provide you with needed support, guidance and acceptance in good and bad times.
• Make every day meaningful. Do something that gives you a sense of accomplishment and purpose every day. Set clear, achievable goals to help you look toward the future with meaning.
• Learn from experience. Think of how you’ve coped with hardships in the past. Consider the skills and strategies that helped you through difficult times.
• Remain hopeful. You can’t change the past, but you can always look toward the future. Accepting and even anticipating change makes it easier to adapt and view new challenges with less anxiety.
• Take care of yourself. Tend to your own needs and feelings. Participate in activities and hobbies you enjoy. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Get plenty of sleep and create consistent bedtime rituals. Eat a healthy diet. Practice stress management and relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, guided imagery, deep breathing or prayer.
• Be proactive. Don’t ignore your problems. Instead, figure out what needs to be done, make a plan and take action. Although it can take time to recover from a major setback, traumatic event or loss, know that your situation can improve if you work at it.