Student Support Services Team
School TV - SPECIAL REPORT
The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025
The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.
Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.
The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.
Here is the link to your Special Report - https://proserpineshs.eq.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-2025-au
Parenting students in the Middle Years
Parenting often can be confusing when you’re faced with differing opinions and advice.
Listen to the latest Department of Education podcast with award-winning broadcast journalist and author Dr Norman Swan for advice on preparing children for adolescence.
From understanding anxiety to screen use, learn scientific evidence on what works and what doesn’t.
Click the link to listen or on your favourite podcast app https://qed.qld.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/podcasts/tips-for-parents.
Health Matters
It’s swimming carnival time!
Sun safe points will be up for grabs for Care Groups at the carnival. Let’s help keep the melanomas away by slip, slop, slap and wrapping!- SLIP ON A SHIRT - Preferably one with long sleeves and a collar. A close weave fabric will give more protection from ultraviolet rays. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen and some rayons are much cooler to wear than synthetic fibres.
- SLOP ON SUN SCREEN - Sunscreen should be:
- SPF 30 or higher
- broad spectrum
- water-resistant
- SLAP ON A HAT - A hat with a wide brim (8-10cm) or legionnaire style will protect your face, ears and neck. A dark coloured hat is best with a dark colour under the brim to stop reflection onto the face.
- SUN GLASSES - For maximum protection from UV radiation, sunglasses must:
- comply with Australian standard 1067 (1990)
- offer 99% protection from UV radiation
- be a close fitting, wrap around style.
- DRINK LOTS OF WATER - We all should be drinking a minimum of 6-8 glasses of water each day. To avoid dehydration, please remember to bring your water bottles and refill with water throughout the day.
Let’s have a SUNSMART time!!!
2025 School Immunisation Program Dates
Year 7
- Monday 1st April for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and DTPa (Diptheria, Tetanus and Pertussis or Whooping Cough)
Year 10
- Tuesday 25th March for Meningococcal ACWY and Meningococcal B (1of 2)
- Tuesday 2nd June for Meningococcal B (2 of 2)
Consent/information forms will be sent home with your child in late February. Please read the information and discuss with your child so they understand what immunisations they are getting.
The consent forms cover all of the dates for ALL of the above listed immunisations for the year. Please return signed consent forms as soon as possible to our Adminstration Office NO LATER than Friday 7th March. Spare consent forms can be collecting from our Administration Office if needed.
If you don’t want your child to be vaccinated through the school program, complete the 'No to Vaccination' section on the consent card.
PLEASE NOTE: No immunisations will be given on the day if the consent forms have not been signed.
Please contact your doctor if you need to check your child’s medical records.
If your child is not here on these days and misses out on their immunisations then you need to contact the Proserpine Hospital or make arrangements with your local Doctor/GP to have these done.
For further information please don't hesitate to contact me.
Yarning Circle
Deadly Choices Program:
It’s been a slow start to our Deadly Choices Program this term due to the wet weather, but last week both teams were able to visit our school and introduce themselves to our students and staff. It was great to meet the team from the Mackay Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service, who have not been to our school since 2021.
This week, our Year 8 students will be cooking healthy wraps in our hospitality kitchens. The recipe is one they chose at the end of last week’s session. I am sure they will create a simple but healthy meal that is easy to make and enjoyable to eat.
Senior ATSIAP Program
This year, we will be registering a Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program (ATSIAP) Team to compete in the North Queensland Regional Challenge which commences on 24th February for students in Years 10-12. The top teams in each region have the opportunity to progress to the ATSIAP Senior Secondary State Final in Term 2. The state final culminates in a university experience and awards ceremony in Brisbane.
Teams consist of 3 to 4 students, with each team member assigned a special task aimed at creating a persuasive speech, authentic poetry, and visual art piece. Tasks are to be completed while at school.
The program builds upon students' critical and creative thinking skills by providing opportunities to investigate solutions for real-world challenges. It is a fun, yet challenging, program aimed at developing general capabilities, academic engagement and building career aspirations.
To participate in both the ATSIAP regional challenge, students must:
- Identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, be in Years 7–12
- Attend a Queensland state school and have had a positive behaviour record in the previous semester
and - Have achieved a 'C' or greater in Maths and/or English in the previous semester*; or be a past participant of the Solid Pathways—STEM program.
If you think your child is up for the challenge, please get them to visit Mr Gabey at our Student Advisory Centre.
Teacher Aide First Nations
Yarning with Our Elders
QATSIF (Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation) in partnership with ACU (Australian Catholic University) is inviting all Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students to yarn with, learn from, and share the stories, wisdom and cultural heritage of our Elders.
In Term 1, students are invited to yarn with an Elder and with their permission, record one important aspect of their life. Some examples could be:
- What was it like growing up in their local community?
- Their Stolen Generations or Stolen Wages story.
- What is their advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people?
- Important local traditional language words, their meaning and pronunciation.
- Important local traditional stories, dances, technology or history.
- What did they learn from their own Elders?
All entries will be recognised with a certificate and a trophy or medallion. ACU will assist with collating and preserving these important stories for future generations and may offer prizes for outstanding entries.
Go to: https://www.qatsif.org.au/yarning-with-our-elders-project
Entries close: Friday 4 April, 2025.
First Nations Student Opportunities
Senior Students - Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School
The Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School (VIEWS) is on again for 2025! The School will run from 5-12 July, 2025.
VIEWS is a week-long program offered by The University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Swinburne University and Monash University where students experience first-hand the work of engineers, meet Indigenous engineering professionals, discover pathways into engineering and explore four university campuses.
The program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students between years 10-12, from anywhere in Australia. The program is 100% free, including on-campus accommodation and airfares. This is an exciting initiative that will change your students’ perspective on engineering and open up a world of possibilities.
For more information on the program and a registration form for your students please visit:
https://eng.unimelb.edu.au/engage/indigenous/views
Applications for this program are now open and close on Friday 9 May, 2025 at 5pm.
First Peoples School to Uni Program – Griffith University
GUMURRII Student Success Unit is dedicated to raising aspirations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across Queensland to reach their full potential. Year 11 and 12 students are invited to participate in the Griffith University School to Uni program. This program will provide you with a clear pathway to university and will equip you with the skills you need to successfully complete your studies. The program offers:
- One-on-one mentoring.
- On-campus experiences and bootcamps.
- Social and wellbeing events.
- Parent and guardian information sessions.
- QTAC application and fee assistance.
- University transition preparation.
Indigenous Apprenticeships Program 2025
Services Australia have opened applications for their Indigenous Apprenticeships Program for 2025. If you are interested in a 12 month apprenticeship with a Government agency and set yourself up for a great career in the Australian Public Service, this opportunity might be for you.
- Full-time work with a competitive salary, great benefits and on-the-job training.
- The apprenticeship runs for 12 months.
- You get to complete a nationally recognised certificate or diploma.
- There are jobs in capital cities and most regional areas across Australia.
- You’ll be supported by an Indigenous mentor.
To apply got to https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/australian-government-indigenous-apprenticeships-program?context=22 Applications close 2 March 2025.
If you would like to speak with me about opportunities that may be available to your young person, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 4945 0162 or email kmcdo302@eq.edu.au
