As another year draws to a close, we take a deep breath as we enter the advent period. We as a community have worked tirelessly to achieve a safe and smooth return to school post COIVD. We are grateful for what has been achieved, celebrated and how we were challenged by experiences of 2020 and rose to the occasion. I am sure we have all been enriched by the many relationships, connections and learning that has occurred at our wonderful College.

During the last week of Term 4, our students in Years 8 & 9 participated in a presentation from Victorian Police that explored the legal and moral challenges of poor online social behaviour. The students were informed of the consequence of their actions and the impact that their text messages, photos or behaviours may have on one another. The two police officers, Anita and Jodie, highlighted that each person has their own story and we are all vulnerable. Both Anita and Jodie spoke to the fragility of young people and that we do not know one another’s sensitivities. If we do not have the confidence to say what we are thinking and to a person’s face, we should not put it into a text or email.

Classes for 2020 will be finalised over the holiday period. As is the tradition and practice at MSJ, lists will be posted at various locations around the College on the first school morning in 2021. Please support your daughter in her transition to making new friends and support her growth mindset.

Our community continues to grow and engage in positive relationships through the gentle guidance of our Wellbeing Leaders; Ms Sexton, Mrs Kubacki, Mrs Sammut, Ms Thompson, Mrs Duncan, Mrs Morlin, Ms Bourke the teams of dedicated andprofessional learning mentor teachers.. We are also grateful and indebted to our College Wellbeing Team; Ms Susha Vance, Ms Jacinta MacMahon and Ms Clare Duong Thai. We would like to thank our Social Work Placed Student: Melissa Mangion. On behalf of the community l would like thank them for diligence, care and compassion during this difficult and challenging year.

The school holiday period can be both rewarding and challenging and therefore we may need additional support.

Issue

Organisation

Email

Phone

Mental Health

Head Space

Provides free online and telephone support and counselling for people 12-25 going through a tough time. Open 9am - 1am, 7 days a week.

headspace.org.au

1800 650 890

Beyond Blue

Has resources available for young people on mental health. The phone number is available 24/7 for anyone struggling with anxiety and depression looking for brief counselling and support.

beyondblue.org.au

1300 22 4636

Reach Out

Provides materials and resources on a range of topics including mental health, bullying, and study skills

au.reachout.com

Lifeline

Provides support to anyone experiencing a personal crisis. Phone counselling is available 24/7. An online chat function is available 7pm - midnight.

www.lifeline.org.au

131 114

Kids Helpline

A counselling service offered to anyone between the ages of 5 to 25 to speak about any issues. Phone and chat functions are available 24/7.

www.kidshelp.com.au

1800 551 800

Orygen Youth Health

Provides specialist mental health services for people ages 15-25 living in the western and north-western region of metropolitan Melbourne.

www.oyh.org.au

1800 888 320

Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders Victoria

The phone service provides eating disorder related support, information and referrals for people experiencing an eating disorder and their families and friends living in Victoria

Eatingdisorders.org.au

1300 550 236

Suicide

Suicide Line

A 24/7 service providing chat, video and phone counselling for anyone affected by thoughts of suicide, is concerned about someone at risk or is bereaved by suicide.

www.suicideline.org.au

1300 651 251

Domestic Violence

1800Respect

A 24/7 support, counselling and information service for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse.

www.1800respect.org.au

1800 737 732

Child Safety

Department of Human Services

General Enquiries

www.dhhs.vic.gov.au

1300 650 172

Drug & Alcohol Counselling

Youth Drug & Alcohol Advice (YoDAA)

www.yodaa.org.au

1800 458 685