16th March 2012 Thank you to everyone who participated in the Parent media & technology surveys whilst attending a laptop roll out &/or information session. There was an over whelming response from participants requesting more education in how to set up privacy settings on social networking sites.

Some helpful websites…
‘Easy Guide to Socialising Online’ created by the Australian Government provides information on how internet users can protect themselves and their information when using social networking sites, search engines and online games. http://www.dbcde.gov.au/easyguide

Social Networking sites (examples):

Search Engines:

Online Games(examples):

Reviews and Advice:
http://www.ikeepsafe.org/parents/parents-guide-to-facebook/
Designed to teach parents how to help their teens strengthen their privacy and safety on Facebook, the guide features important topics such as:
–How to parent Facebook users    –Managing reputation in the digital age?–Actual risks in social media           –Managing your privacy on Facebook?–Reporting problems                       –And more!
Social Networking and Virtual Worlds http://www.commonsensemedia.org/advice-for-parents/social-networking-and-virtual-worlds

Parents Guide to Online Safety http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Parents/Guide%20to%20online%20safety/Guide%20to%20online%20safety.aspx

We encourage all within our school community to share any cyber knowledge, tips & suggestions with us.
Email us at cybersafety@galen.vic.edu.au. You could make a positive difference in another family’s life.

Interested in Music and Events?

Wangaratta Friends of Lacluta invites students to assist in the planning of a musical event this year.

The main  purpose of the event is to raise funds to assist young people in Lacluta – East Timor. As young people in Lacluta face significant barriers to completing school and tertiary education, the Wangaratta FOL group has provided 2 students ( a young man and young woman) with scholarships to study at university. Further funds raised during 2012 would enable more Lacluta students to receive educational scholarships to continue their studies over the next few years.  A musical event is a great way of raising awareness about East Timor amongst people of all ages – especially young people and we are keen to involve Wangaratta students in community based work that supports other young people in our neighbouring countries.

Bernadette Fraser  would happily meet with you to discuss further.
Email therese.rodway@galen.vic.edu.au for more information

Therese Rodway

Fresh Start for 2012 – Top Tips
Healthy food helps learning…..Eating breakfast helps kids concentrate and be cooperative in the classroom. Keep the lunch box full of healthy snacks and avoid refined sugar products, salt & fats.
Kids need help with homework…Where possible create a study space, routine times (as soon as you get home), as well as yummy healthy snacks as study incentives. Students can make use of the homework center on a Wednesday and catch up classes too!
Proper sleep habits are critical…… As you already know children are more tired then ever due to video games, smartphones, social media, TV, sports and study…have some “switch off” time from devices, especially 30mins before bedtime. Keep sleep time regular too!
Helping kids be organised…. The day will be much smoother if the family can create a calendar of events for each week, unpacking the school bag at the end of the day, discussing what’s on for the next day, looking at your child’s planner for homework and special dates, preparing the uniform and lunches the day before! Adapted from bodyandsoul.com.au

Year 12 Parent Support Blog/Forum
Is the onset of VCE and VCAL presenting some challenges as you work out what it all means for your son or daughter?  A VCE/VCAL parent blog/forum will be set up to connect parents with each other to answers the questions you may have. Some areas may include differences between 1/2 and 3/4, outcomes, SATs and SACs, the UMAT, preferences, university course codes, prerequisites and basic familiarity with the VCAA website. Please refer to Galen Catholic College Wangaratta VCE and VCAL Study Information for 2012 for immediate information (info sent home in December 2012). For further info visit www.vcca.vic.edu.au or speak with Rob Walker (Careers Adviser) or your child’s homeroom teacher on 5721 6322.

For any other queries, suggestions or topics please email therese.rodway@galen.vic.edu.au

See the Galen website for information on The Big Brother Big Sister Program and how to be involved! https://galen.vic.edu.au/student-wellbeing/community-opportunities/

Therese Rodway

Welcome back! This year poses an opportunity for parents and students to email me certain issues or areas that could be mentioned or discussed in an educative way in this section of the newsletter. I will do my best to answer your questions or concerns and include relevant information. I will continue to include important services information, dates, and events as well as addressing areas of interest for parents and students. Please forward any wellbeing questions or issues that you would like to see covered to therese.rodway@galen.vic.edu.au
    
Wellbeing and wellbeing referrals covers many areas including mental health, cyber safety, health services, relationship, friendships, conflict, academic or exam stresses, stress management, community engagement, sexuality, substance misuse (i.e, binge drinking), partying safely, and many more…

SERVICES:
Free legal advice on child support
21 February 2012, Free half hour sessions between 9am and 5pm
Venue:   Upper Murray Family Care, 36 Mackay Street,Wangaratta Vic 3677
Please phone (03) 9269 0408 for an appointment or 1800 677 402 during business hours.

Therese Rodway

Enhancing Education and Local Solutions for families
Are you from an Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander background and have children aged from 0 -18 years? Ovens and King Wangaratta introduce the Parental and Community Engagement Program (PaCe). PaCe works alongside students and families (in partnership) to develop and enhance educational outcomes by creating local solutions for families. Some activities include tutors, IT support, physical education sessions, and how to help with homework. For more information about a local solution, please call Sakina Babia on 03 5723 2000 or drop in to the 1st Floor for 90-100 Ovens Street. Wangaratta.
TOOLS for CHANGE
A Money Mentor Program to help you with your finances.
Are you a woman who has left a domestic violence situation? Would you like to feel less stressed about money? We can match you with a caring, non-judgemental woman who can support you with managing your finances. A Tools for Change mentor can help by meeting with you to: Share budgeting ideas; explore ways to reduce daily costs; look at ways to reduce credit card debt; help you build financial confidence; or just simply listen. For further information, please contact Women’s Health Goulburn North East on 0357223009.
For any other wellbeing concerns speak with your child’s homeroom teacher or contact a member of wellbeing on 5721 6322.

Revivify Leadership Camp
3 day activity-based camp incorporating personal growth sessions, helpful skills and strategies for dealing with life’s tough stuff with inspirational local young camp leaders. WHEN: ?Friday 16th December – Sunday 18th December. WHERE?:  Valley Homestead. WHO?: 14yr olds (Boys & Girls)?- at risk of disengaging from mainstream schools? – have experienced challenging life experiences ?- want to socially connect with other young people? – want to participate in this project and the camp. AIM?: Local young leaders share their journeys and experiences to empower, support and encourage the young people. To share the life skills that they have learnt and found helpful in handling the tough stuff life can throw at us. If you are interested please let Therese Rodway in wellbeing know ASAP.
Beating the Flames
Were you affected by the 2009 fires? Are you interested in hearing about the stories of those who survived Black Saturday from a woman’s perspective? Beating the Flames is a document that tells those stories. Produced by Women’s Health Wangaratta. Access resources at http://www.whealth.com.au/publications_research_reports.html
Parenting Adolescents Workshops
‘Staying sane in the insane world of parenting teens.’
When: Wednesday 9th November, 7 -8.30pm. Where: Ovens and King Community Health Service (Downstairs community room). Focusing on understanding brain development, understanding emotional changes, communicating with your uncommunicative teen, teens and technology, what NOT to worry about. Tea, coffee and light supper provided. Presented by the staff of Counselling and Support Services. Please contact Intake on 03 5723 2000 for bookings.
For any other wellbeing concerns speak with your child’s homeroom teacher or contact a member of Wellbeing on 5721 6322.

Therese Rodway

I hope everyone has come back from holidays feeling rested and refreshed. You may come across a new face over the next 8 weeks. Amy Crimmin is completing a student placement here at Galen until the end of the term. Amy is currently studying through the combined associate degree program between GoTAFE and Deakin University. Through GoTAFE she is completing a Diploma of Community Services and through Deakin University beginning a Bachelor of Health Sciences. Amy will be with Therese over in the Wellbeing office and will learn all about Galen’s Wellbeing and Pastoral care services.
Amy will also be spending some time at the GPC and observing classroom teachers in the areas of Health and Human Development, Psychology, Biology and Home Economics. She will also be learning about promotion, prevention and program implementation. Amy says she is quite happy to answer any questions that anyone might have about GoTAFE or Deakin University, or her selected courses. Amy aims to complete a teaching degree and work in the education sector. Please do your best to make her feel welcome.

Interchange
In a couple of weeks a representative will be coming to Galen to give information about Interchanges respite program. Interchange is looking for volunteers to provide respite to carers who care for children/young adolescents with disabilities. There are recreational programs and host programs. It is great opportunity if you are interested in the disabilities sector, or if you just want to give back to the community. If you are interested continue to check the daily news bulletin, as the time and day will be specified at a later date.

Would you like $500 to help pay for your child’s education?
• Do you have a Health Care Card?
• Do you have some regular household income?
• Are you 18 or over?
• Are you willing to attend 4 informal workshops?
If you answered yes to these four questions then you could be eligible for the Saver Plus Program. Berry Street is now offering additional places in Wangaratta. Participation in Saver Plus can earn you matched savings of up to $500 to be spent on items like: Uniforms; Computers; School Camps; School Books etc.
To find out more about this exciting program, phone Peter Grey at Berry Street, on 0457 849 112 or e-mail on pgrey@berrystreet.org.au
For any other wellbeing concerns speak with your child’s homeroom teacher or contact a member of Wellbeing on 5721 6322.

Therese Rodway

Wangaratta Family Support Options for parents/carers or guardians

 ‘Whatever!’ Parenting Adolescents 4 week Program on Wednesdays 26^th Oct 2 Nov, 9^th Nov and 16^th Nov from 6.30-8.30pm

Tuning in to Kids- emotionally intelligent parenting (2-8 years), Tues. 18^th Oct – 22^nd  Nov. (Not cup day) from 7.00 – 9pm.

Positive Parenting Program (2-10yrs) (4 wks) 29^th Nov. – 20^th Dec from 7.00-9.00pm.

All workshops are held at the Pangerang Community House at 38 Ovens St Wangaratta. Phone Pangerang CH 03 57213813 for more information and bookings.

Preparing Students with Disabilities for Transition

This information session for parents and educators of young people with disabilities or learning difficulties in Secondary School in Victoria is a free event.  Wednesday 19^th October, Session Times: 5:45pm-8:00pm Memorial Hall, Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre.

The session focuses on options and supports that are available to students with a disability who transitioning from school in this region with a structured sequence of presentations. Representatives from employment agencies, apprenticeship centres, further education, day programs, Centrelink and others will be in attendance to answer specific questions.  RSVP: Friday 14th October 2011 to pathways@netracksllen.org.au. Enquiries: 03 5762 7777.

For any wellbeing concerns speak with your child’s homeroom teacher or contact a member of wellbeing on 5721 6322.

 

The Australian Teenage Expo is a one of a kind event for young people and parents, which provides everything a teen wants to know about, all in the one place. There will be stalls with info on education and employment options, services for any of the issues young people face
and youth focused products. Some of Australia’s best speakers on youth issues and careers will run master classes. Amazing entertainment,
including an all styles dance competition featuring some of Melbourne’s best dance crews, some local bands performing and finishing off the three days with our headlining band British India. Celebrities, giveaways, show-bags, fun activities and special performances throughout the whole three days.
Tickets online at www.teenageexpo.com.au. 16th – 18th September 2011 @ Moonee Valley Race Club. More info on website, call
1300 080 330, or email sonya@teenageexpo.com.au.
Women, Family, Violence and Financial Security
Is this what you have been looking for?
Seeking: Brave Women who Want to be in Control of their Finances
Tools for Change is a unique financial mentoring program. We have trained volunteer women across Wangaratta and Shepparton to support you in your journey to financial confidence over 12 months. It is not unusual that women exiting domestic violence often have limited financial skills because of the extreme level of control from their partners. Pre-existing skills, resources and self-belief are often eroded through years of abuse and put-downs. Tools for Change gives women the opportunity to meet regularly with another woman, who is compassionate, a good listener, who is trained in basic financial management and who can support you in your journey to financial independence.Tools for Change is not a counselling service. While the mentor will be sympathetic to the your situation, her role is to support and guide you in the financial aspects of your and your family’s life. If this sounds like something you need to know more about, please contact Sandi King or Karen O’Connor at Women’s Health Goulburn North East on 0357223009 or whealth@whealth.com.au. All enquires are treated with confidence and respect. For any other wellbeing concerns speak with your child’s homeroom teacher or contact a member of wellbeing on 5721 6322.

Therese Rodway