Call 13 11 14
Frankston High School has a comprehensive Student Wellbeing Team responsible for the wellbeing of its students who work between the Year 7-10 Campus and Senior Campus.
STUDENT WEL
LBEING TEAM
The Student Wellbeing Team are concerned with the welfare of students and are available to counsel students with problems and to consult with parents/carers. They are available to students and their families, offering support through individual counselling, group support and in secondary consultation with teachers.
The Student Wellbeing Team also liaise with welfare services beyond the school and are able to refer people to these agencies where appropriate, our team also responds to the needs of the school through school activities which enhance the wellbeing of the school community.
COUNSELLING SERVICES
The counselling services are available to help students with a range of issues that include:
- Emotional concerns such as anxiety, grief and loss, depression, low self-esteem
- Family issues such as separation/divorce, parenting difficulties, parent-child or sibling relationships
- Peer and social issues such as bullying, peer relationships and social skills
- School related issues such as transition, motivation and organisation
- Stress management
- Anger management
- Developmental disorders
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Identity issues
- Health and general wellbeing
REFERRAL
Students are encouraged to self-refer. They may also be referred by teachers, parents or other professionals (eg. Doctor). The Wellbeing Team also liaise collaboratively with other mental health professionals or community based services where appropriate.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Discussions with students are confidential. Each student is treated with respect, without discrimination or judgement. When information is shared outside the counselling space this is done with the consent of the student and or parent/carer. As a team, there are instances where we may discuss our support with others in the team in a peer supervision environment to ensure that we are supporting the student adequately.
Although our goal is to always have the consent of the student, due to mandatory laws and professional expectations there are times where The Wellbeing Team are bound to share information with others e.g. parents/carers, relevant senior staff, or government agencies. These situations include:
- The student is at risk of harm to themselves or others
- A serious crime has been committed
- There has been a subpoena served to present documents to court.
A special message to Frankston High School from Hugh van Cuylenburg
Student Health And Wellbeing
How to Say No More to homophobic slurs.
Challenge homophobic language and behaviour – Use of the word ‘gay’ as a synonym for stupid or rubbish (such as ` ‘homework is so gay’) is often ignored because it is not seen as intentionally homophobic. Although students may not be meaning to be homophobic, this language can have a negative impact for students or staff who are same sex attracted. It is also considered as homophobic. Challenging this language when safe to do so, helps create an environment where everyone can be themselves and feel safe and supportive.
For those witnessing homophobic bullying, or the use of homophobic language, it can be unclear what to do, or how to respond. Where there is a culture of ignoring homophobia, the whole school community – staff, students, and families can experience negative outcomes.
Here are some links that may help along the way
Once again we would like to remind students that anyone wishing to speak with Wellbeing is encouraged to self-refer – wellbeing@fhs.vic.edu.au or just visit our Wellbeing Centre and let us know!
Parentline: 13 22 89
E-safety commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Cyber solutions https://www.cybersafetysolutions.com.au/
Carly Ryan Foundation http://www.carlyryanfoundation.com/
Blue Knot Foundation Helpline is the National Centre of Excellence for Complex Trauma. It provides support, education and resources for the families and communities of adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, Monday – Sunday between 9am – 5pm AEST or via email helpline@blueknot.org.au.
Butterfly Foundation’s National Helpline is a free, confidential service that provides information, counselling and treatment referral for people with eating disorders, and body image and related issues. Call 1800 33 4673, 8am-midnight AEST / 7 days a week, chat online or email.
FriendLine supports anyone who’s feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week on 1800 424 287, or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.
Check out the Australian government’s Racism. It Stops With Me campaign, Reconciliation Australia and All Together Now.
Olivia Beale
Years 9-10
Student Counsellor
(Days to be confirmed))
Commencing Term 2
Michelle Beirouti
Years 7-8
Student Counsellor
Wellbeing Coordinator (Years 7-12)
(Monday to Thursday)
Melissa Donegan
Years 11-12
Mental Health Practitioner
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)
