Student Senate Youth Advocacy Projects

Over this term our Senate students have been progressing their proposals from their youth advocacy training. It has been wonderful to see students taking the initiative to improve our school community and culture and learn leadership skills around pitching ideas and negotiating with stakeholders. Completed projects include prayer in different languages being broadcast during Cultural Week and revamping the house activities for the House Cup on Feast Day. We look forward to seeing the completion of more Student Senate projects as the year progresses.

Bullying No Way: National week of action

Bullying No Way: National week of action was held last week from the 12 to 16 August 2024. Due to the significance of Feast Day this week Kolbe Catholic College will be acknowledging the cause next week.

By working collaboratively within our community, we can collectively help reduce bullying.

The theme for this year's campaign is Everyone Belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.

Parents and carers play an important role in helping your child understand bullying, and know how to respond to it.

If your child tells you about things at school, or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. You can learn more about what defines bullying at bullyingnoway.gov.au.

Questions you could ask:

What do you think bullying is?
Have you seen it? How did you feel?
Have you ever felt scared at school because of bullying?
As well as me, who are the other adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?
Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?
Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it.

Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.

By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong.

For more information, visit bullyingnoway.gov.au.

In the Community

Parents

Hume City Council

Yoga Evening

Mondays| 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Drive, Roxburgh Park, 3064

Yoga is the ancient science of perfect tuning your body, mind and spirit, making it function in absolute harmony. When everything within you functions perfectly, you would naturally achieve the best of your abilities. When you are happy and in peace, your energies always function at their best.

PURE Yoga with Sagar can help you achieve peace and harmony within you that liberates you from your normal day to day limitations of stress and anxiety.

Homestead Walking Group

Wednesdays | 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Homestead Community & Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Drive, Roxburgh Park, 3064

In partnership with DPV Health volunteers and Heart Foundation - enjoy outdoor walks, beautiful gardens, and meet locals. Please bring a drink bottle and comfortable shoes.

Conversational English

Wednesdays | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Homestead Community & Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Drive, Roxburgh Park, 3064

Practice listening and speaking English whilst learning about Australian culture and making new friends. Suitable for all language levels.

Students

Hume City Council

Youth Action Committee

Every Monday | 04:30 PM to 06:30 PM

Craigieburn Youth Centre, 59 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn, 3064

The Hume Youth Action Committee (Hume YAC) is for aspiring young community leaders aged 15 - 20 years old. The Hume YAC leaders meet weekly to identify issues facing young people in Hume.

Through community consultation and co-design, the committee facilitates initiatives and activities to improve outcomes for young people.

The Hume YAC is funded by ENGAGE! a Victorian Government Initiative.

Registrations essential, walk ins not available.

To register or for more information please contact Youth Services on 9205 2556 or youth@hume.vic.gov.au

The Meeting Point Youth Central

Tuesdays | 02:45 PM - 04:45 PM

Broadmeadows Youth Central, 33-37 Pearcedale Parade, Broadmeadows, 3047

Drop into The Meeting Point.

Inside you will find fun video games, table tennis, games, pool, arts and crafts and a space to chill out with your friends. Don’t forget the free snacks!

The Meeting Point is a space where young people can also seek support and get information about services available to them.

Walk-ins only, no booking required.

See you at The Meeting Point!

Ages 12 - 18

Hume Youth Productions and Events (HYPE) FReeZA Program - Craigieburn

Next date: Thursday, 22 August 2024 | 04:30 PM to 06:30 PM

Weekly meetings are held either face to face or online across Hume Youth Centres. As agreed with HYPE FReeZa members and youth workers the location of weekly meetings may change.

Craigieburn Youth Centre, 59 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn, 3064

Hume's FReeZA Committee Hume Youth Productions & Events (HYPE) is a group of local young people aged from 12 to 24 who plan and organise events for young people in Hume.

You don’t need any prior experience, we provide training. Just bring your ideas and enthusiasm.

FReeZA is a Victorian Government Initiative.

Registrations essential, walk-ins not available. To register or for more information please contact Youth Services on 9205 2556 or youth@hume.vic.gov.au.

Important Dates

15th August	Feast Day
19h - 23rd August	Kolbe Celebrating Bullying No Way: National week of action
29th and 30th August	Year 11 Retreat
9th- 13th September	Mental Health Week
12th September	R U OK? Day

Tips, Tricks & Links

School Refusal (Anglicare ParentZone)

Every parent and carer wants to see their child enjoy school and perform well in the classroom. It’s difficult when a child is refusing to go to school and is exhibiting signs of school anxiety. As parents and carers, we only want the best for our children, and this involves a strong school attendance.

If you’re a parent or carer with a child who’s experiencing school refusal or anxiety, Anglicare Victoria can help you.

To read more please head to our website.

Let’s Get Organised ParentZone's Dr Deborah Trengove (Anglicare ParentZone)

As we head into the second half of the school year, parents and kids should have a good idea about what is expected in their year level. Reports have been sent home, and you may have had a parent-teacher meeting to discuss your child’s progress so far. It’s the perfect time to take a step back, reset and assess what you and your child need to focus on for the remainder of the year.

What are the core organisational skills that children and teens need?

Knowing what is required – usually through a diary system.
Keeping track of belongings – taking necessary items to and from school.
Being able to find what they need – keeping things in an orderly manner.
Planning what needs to be done – connecting the now with the future.

Want to learn more on how to get your child organised for school?

Head to the Anglicare website for the full article.

Are you paying attention? (The Parents Website)

The ability to concentrate and pay attention are skills children learn as they grow, says childhood development expert Dr Michael Nagel. But there are ways to help them while you wait.

Support Services

Kids Helpline	1800 55 1800
eHeadspace	1800 650 890
Lifeline	13 11 14
Beyond Blue	1300 22 4636
Suicide Callback	1300 659 467
Parentline	13 22 89
1800RESPECT	Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732