As another year draws to a close, we take a deep breath as we enter the Advent period. We are grateful for what has been achieved, celebrated and how too, we were challenged by experiences of 2019. 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 7 and 8 participated in a presentation from the Victorian Police Force 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 highlighted that each person has their own story and we are all vulnerable. Both Anita and Jodie spoke about the fragility of 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 our person’s face, we should not put it into a text or email.
Classes for 2019 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 2019. 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 Commadeur, Mrs Kubacki, Mrs Sammut, Ms Thompson, Mrs Duncan, Mrs Morlin, Ms Bourke and Ms Sexton, and the teams of dedicated and professional Learning Mentor teachers. We are also grateful and indebted to our College Wellbeing Team: Ms Jessica Driscoll, Ms Susha Vance, Ms Jacinta MacMahon and Ms Clare Duong-Thai. We would like to thank our two Social Work Placed Students: Miyah and Maddie. On behalf of the community, l would like thank them for diligence, care and compassion.
The school holiday period can be both rewarding and challenging and therefore we may need additional support. Please make use of the below contacts if the need should arise.
Wishing you and your family a blessed, safe and joyous Christmas.
Steven Mifsud - Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing
Helpful Online & Telephone Support Services
Headspace eheadspace.org.au
Youth Beyondblue youthbeyondblue.com
ReachOut.com
Eating Disorders Foundation of Victoria www.eatingdisorders.org.au 1300 550 236
LifeLine 131 114
Kids Helpline www.kidshelp.com.au 1800 551 800
Suicide Line www.suicideline.org.au 1300 651 251
Domestic Violence Crisis Line www.dvrcv.org.au 1800 200 526
Orygen Youth Health www.oyh.org.au 1800 888 320
Department of Human Services 1300 650 172
Eating Disorders www.eatingdisorders.org.au 1300 550 236
Youth Drug & Alcohol Advice (YoDAA) www.yodaa.org.au 1800 458 685
