Despite the lockdown, there has been a great deal of work happening at the College, and in particular planning for Term 4 and for 2022. All students have now completed their course selections and it was terrific to meet (virtually) many of our new families whose children will commence Year 7 in 2022 - we are excited to see a new cohort of students joining the Rosehill community.

The College timetablers have been working on the complex task of developing a new timetable and schedule for 2022. We hope to maximise student choices and look to offer as many subjects as is feasible.

The planning for our new building works is well underway and on schedule. We are almost at the end of the Schematic Design phase. Shortly we will commence the Design Development stage, this is when I will be able to share proposed plans with the School Council and school community. What I can say, is that the current plans look amazing!!

In addition to the capital works program, we did receive just under $200,000 to build an Outdoor Inclusive Reading space adjacent to the library. The planning for this project is also well underway and preliminary drafts have been prepared and are ready to be approved by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA).

I take this opportunity to acknowledge the continuous and exceptional work from our teaching and education support staff, not only during this term, but throughout the past 18 months. Together with the support from our families, we have been able to continue to deliver high quality learning and teaching. Our NAPLAN results have been very, very, pleasing for students in Year 7 and 9, with strong results in Reading, Writing and Numeracy which demonstrates that despite setbacks and difficulties, our school values of Respect, Initiative and Learning have shone though during this time.

This has been a particular challenging time for our final year students and, we are extremely proud of their efforts thus far. There is not long to go, so we encourage them to take a few days off to recharge and relax before they begin the last 3-4 weeks of study and revision which will see the end of a major milestone, the completion of secondary schooling! All students completing a VCE subject are expected at school to complete the GAT on Tuesday 5^th October. Additional communication will be provided closer to the day via Compass.

I encourage you to take the time to peruse the remainder of this newsletter issue to see some of the remarkable work from our children during this lockdown. There are also a range of supports and proactive programs being offered either at Rosehill or through other providers, please avail yourselves of these resources as required.

Finally, on behalf of the Rosehill community, I would like to wish Ms Kerry McKay an enjoyable and relaxing long service leave during Term 4, a well- earned rest! Mr Hosking has been appointed as Acting Assistant Principal for the term.

Wishing you all a safe and happy term break. I hope to see all of our students back on-site next term. Stay safe.

Having such an available Wellbeing Team within our College has enabled us to respond to our students’ wellbeing needs, in the very challenging climate that the pandemic has produced.

This year our Wellbeing Team is continuing to provide support to many students for a variety of presenting issues. During remote learning, we have continued to engage with students through varied means such as video, telephone, email and even phone texts. Our team personalises the counselling sessions to cater to the individual preferences of our students, to ensure all students feel comfortable to continue to access support whilst off site.

To further support our students, we have collaborated with Headspace to provide a workshop to our year 10 cohort to offer strategies and resources to assist them to improve their “Coping with COVID Stress”. Due to the positive feedback received from students who participated in the workshop, we are now planning to run this workshop with other year levels during Term 4, 2021.

We have also organised a lunchtime club which takes place every Tuesday and Thursday on Google Meet, to teach useful strategies and engage students to participate in helpful activities that will reduce stress.

At Rosehill we adopt a community approach and see it as our duty to recognise the challenges that have confronted parents during remote learning and to provide support. Andrew Fuller, Clinical Psychologist and author was welcomed into our Rosehill family and tasked with this important assignment. Parents who were present benefitted greatly from the presentation, and feedback was extremely positive. Andrew also provided resources for our school community on many adolescent issues which can be accessed from his website: inyahead@satlink.com.au

Looking ahead into Term 4, the school will be running:

Mental Health Education Workshops - which are organised by headspace and will be presented to year level cohorts on a variety of topics including:

• Coping strategies and self-care for good mental health and wellbeing
• Learning how they can support their friends to access support
• Learning how to manage stress during times of change
• Understanding bullying and mental health.

An evening workshop to again support parents and carers with a focus on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the young people in their care. - Headspace Parent and Carer workshop

Upon our return to onsite learning the following group programs will also take place to support our students who have had a really challenging year:

For Year 7 students to support them in strengthening their connections and sense of belonging at Rosehill, as a response to the impact of remote learning - Building Connections Program

Empowering students with mindfulness-based skills and strategies to allow them to manage their wellbeing - Mindfulness for Wellbeing Management:

A program developed by the Butterfly Foundation using an evidence-based approach to promote positive body image. Teaching young people how to be kind to their own bodies and to others - Guided Meditation Lunchtime Club – active participation in meditation - Body Kind

Whilst we are on school break we have provided a list of supports and services that can be accessed by parents and students as required.

Useful online resources

• eheadspace - https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/ - Provides free online and telephone counselling and support to people aged 12-25 and their families and friends.

• The Resilience Program - https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home/ - A hub of activities and ideas to bring gratitude, empathy and mindfulness to day-to-day life: from kitchen table conversations to bedtime stories and backyard expeditions.

• Reach Out - https://au.reachout.com/ - Resources and information about a wide range of issues related to mental and physical health and school for students, parents, carers and teachers.

• Smiling Mind - At Home — Smiling Mind - https://www.smilingmind.com.au/secondary-school-program-feeling-it - Mindfulness at home

• Friendline - http://www.friendline.org.au/ - Peers can connect socially and chat

• Parent Line - https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline - Counselling and Support for parents and carers. Phone number: 13 22 89

Useful APPS:

• Headspace
• Mylife
• Smiling Mind
• Wysa: Mental Health Support
• Sanvello: anxiety and depression

Local Services

• Moonee Valley Youth Services
  

https://valleyyouth.org.au/support/ - One-on-one support – we offer free and confidential sessions where we can work with you to set goals and provide support with things such as education support, housing, looking for work, financial stress, mental health and wellbeing, and family and peer relationships. (shorter wait times than other mental health services)

https://valleyyouth.org.au/ - Offer a range of programs and events to involve young people

Whilst on school break, the six simple steps below may be used to help alleviate anxiety symptoms and relieve daily stress:

1. Breathing – simple breathing can relieve stress. Research has found that taking six deep breaths can help relieve stress and calm yourself down. Method - always breathe in from the nose and out from the mouth. Exhale slowly through the mouth, making your outbreath as slow as possible. Research has shown that by breathing in through your nose, you get three times more oxygen into the bloodstream, whilst breathing out slowly as if you are breathing out from a straw, slows down the heart rate bringing an immediate state of calm to the body.
2. Gratitude – thinking about things that you are grateful for produces the positive feel-good neurochemicals. By shifting your thoughts from things that are causing you stress to the positive aspects existing in your life, you are actively changing your mindset. Practicing gratitude is as easy as thinking about how lucky you are to be able to have a meal, or be around loved ones, have fresh air to breathe and much more.
3. Exercise – alleviates stress. Research has found that the actual movement of looking forward and having things pass by in your peripheral vision calms down the sympathetic nervous system (the heightened state within) and turns up the parasympathetic nervous system (the calm state within) which brings on a feeling of tranquillity and calm.
   
4. Music – listening to music is also beneficial in reducing anxious symptoms. Studies have found that the most calming song ever created is ‘Weightless’ by Marconi Union, but any soothing music that has a calming effect is useful.
5. Writing – getting things that are stressing you out of your brain and onto a piece of paper, can help calm you down. By working through the stressors, anxiety is removed. Using a solution focussed technique by asking the question: 'What can I do to remove the stress that this (the stressor) is causing?' helps one focus and work through stressful issues to return to a relaxed state of mind.
6. Caffeine reduction/removal – will create a sense of calm within. Caffeine is a stimulant that stirs up the sympathetic nervous system. By drinking too many caffeinated drinks such as: Coke, Red Bull, Coffee we are causing stress within our body, by reducing these we are putting ourselves in a good position to be less stressed.

By implementing the above strategies into your daily routine when stressed and anxious, you can help yourself and your family remove stress and reach a state of calm.

Wishing the Rosehill Community good health and a safe break.

Dora Famulari and the Wellbeing Team

6 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HEADSPACE

https://headspace.org.au/tips/

Wonder

by R.J. Palacio Series Audio Book – Ebook

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school, but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

by John Boyne
Audio Book – Ebook

While exploring his new environment, Bruno meets another boy whose life and circumstances are very different to his own, and their meeting results in a friendship that has devastating consequences.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

by J.K. Rowling
Series - Audio Book – Ebook

Just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange impish creature who says that if Harry returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

Eragon

by Christopher Paolini
Series – Audio Book – Ebook

Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.

I am number four

by Pittacus Lore - Series – Audio Book – Ebook

A series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

Five Feet Apart

by Rachael Lippincott - Audio Book

In this moving story two teens fall in love with just one minor complication—they can’t get within five feet of each other without risking their lives.

Divine Secrets of the Ya-ya Sisterhood: A Novel

by Rebecca Wells - Ebook

A lifetime friendship between four Southern women, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood brilliantly explores the bonds of female friendship, the often-rocky relationship between mothers and daughters, and the healing power of humour and love.

Water for elephants

by Sara Gruen - Ebook

A love between two people that overcomes incredible odds in a world in which even love is a luxury that few can afford.

Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life

by Rachel Renee Russell - Series - Audio Book

New school. New mean girl. New crush. New diary so I can spill about all of it…

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen - Audio Book

The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

by J.K. Rowling - Series – Audio Book

Discover the curious habits of magical beasts across five continents ..

Hollow City - Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children

by Ransom Riggs - Series – Audio Book

Having escaped Miss Peregrine’s island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends must journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world…..

The safest lies

by Megan Miranda
Audio Book

Kelsey knows she’s supposed to keep a low profile for their own protection, but that plan is shattered when she drives off a cliff and is rescued by volunteer firefighter and classmate Ryan Baker.

It’s not you, it’s me

by Gabrielle Williams - Ebook

Time travel, soulmates and serial killers that asks a very big question: Can you ever change your fate?

Faking It: My Life in Transition

by Kyle Mewburn
Biography – Ebook

Kyle describes this early life and her journey to becoming her own person - a celebrated children's book author, a husband and, finally, a woman.

Shades of Scarlet

by Anne Fine - Ebook

Now Scarlet has to start a new life, and none of it was her choice. Scarlet decides there's only one thing she can write in the notebook. The truth, about everything...

Thrill Seekers: 15 Remarkable Women in Extreme Sports

by Ann McCallum Staats- Ebook

Encompassing a diverse selection of women in extreme and unique sports, this book shares the stories of bold and daring thrill-seekers.

Penguin bloom

by Chris Kunz -Ebook

A young mother whose world is turned upside down after a near-fatal accident leaves her unable to walk.

Concrete Rose

by Angie Thomas - Series - Ebook

Life’s not perfect, but with a fly girlfriend and a cousin who always has his back, Mav’s got everything under control. Until, that is, Maverick finds out he’s a father.

Kerb Stain Boys

by Alex Wheatle
Ebook

When his best mate Terror and coolest chick in the year Caldonia, cook up a plan to make a quick buck, Briggy hopes this time it might be his chance to shine. Robbing the Post Office

The Left-Handed Booksellers of London

by Garth Nix
Ebook

Merlin is a young left-handed bookseller (one of the fighting ones), who with the right-handed booksellers (the intellectual ones), are an extended family of magical beings who police the mythic and legendary Old World when it intrudes on the modern world, in addition to running several bookshops.

Fig Swims The World

by Lou Abercrombie
Ebook

Fig embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. But with her mother closing in, will she be able to keep her head above water and complete her challenge?

Deep Water

by Sarah Epstein
Ebook

Henry Weaver is missing.
Three months ago, thirteen-year-old Henry disappeared from The Shallows during a violent storm, leaving behind his muddy mountain bike at the train station.

Students were well and truly up to the challenge with most making some practical changes to the family budget to achieve extra savings. Overall, students were happy with the changes they made, although the cut backs to café lattes and streaming subscriptions were not necessarily well received by all!

Comments from students included:

‘They think that the changes are reasonable because we spend money on stuff that we don’t need.’

‘I think I have a good balance of entertainment and necessities while saving a lot.’

‘What surprised me the most was how much was spent on entertainment and groceries.’

‘I plan to put the savings away for a holiday fund for when we are able to travel after lockdown ends.’

‘I can be really good at saving money and if we stuck to this (the changes) we would be able to save for big things.’

‘I have learnt that when preparing a budget, you should think about how it affects everyone and not the benefit you gain from it. Make sure you are being realistic about what you can change and can’t.’

A huge thank you goes to the parents for helping their child to complete this invaluable activity.

Nellie Harbourd

Virginia Singleton

Unfortunately, much of what they had planned was no longer possible. However, they did manage to produce a wonderful video that included strategies for asking ‘R U OK?’ This video was presented to students in period 1 on Wednesday 8th September.

• Video link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-uZFg4EzDW74lWsTY6AZk/view?usp=sharingNQFosnlgaLx

• Presentation Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1heZ22eyM172QjQLLqCCrXUxXm_trGdg-5WKX8o8GTDA/edit#slide=id.p2

Well done to Claudia Bradilovich, Ella McKenna Burke, Paige George, Dhiyaneshwaran Jegadesan, Mohd Haider, Samridhi Samridhi, Meike Van Kalken.

Year 10

Term 3 has not been without its challenges, however the Year 10s have worked hard to focus on their schoolwork, remaining connected with their peers and teachers. Many encouraging emails of support and hope have been sent to our students, who have responded positively. As a year level, they have shared assemblies, played Kahootz, checked in on-one another, completed work in groups to keep motivation up and had many online conversations with their teachers and peers. In ID Classes students have participated in lessons on Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships and completed a Film Study – The Pursuit of Happyness. Students were also fortunate to participate in a Headspace session, which gave them many resources and strategies to cope with Covid-19 stress and empowered them to take better care of their mental wellbeing.

During the holidays, students need to take a break from their devices. Instead, they should enjoy their hobbies and the outdoors.

We wish all our students a well earnt rest and look forward to welcoming them back in Term 4.

Ms Vossos and Mr Bertoli

Year 10 Coordinators

• Bringing pets to class, introducing them and getting to know each other's pets
• Start the lesson with a joke or anecdote anyone wants to share
• I have been sharing my own funny stories of what goes on in my household, with my children and my dog, to brighten up the students' day
• We have introduced, 'Wear your sunglasses or hat to Class ' to add a little joy and excitement to lessons
• Having a chat with each student, asking them individually how they are, and if they need anything, before we start the lesson
• Students have shared songs with one another on the chat at the end of the lesson, as a way of connecting and socialising virtually
• Individual chats with students that need to vent or talk, whether it be about the work or life in general

I think this has helped immensely with the students' general state of mind, and it has also helped me as a teacher connect with my students and interact with them in my lessons. They have been more enthusiastic and that has also helped with their learning.

Christina Sikalias

Some of the benefits are

• If you enrol in a University of Melbourne undergraduate degree after finishing Year 12, you could receive credit for the subjects you completed as part of your Extension Program studies (without any university tuition fees)
• Your Extension Program studies can contribute to your ATAR as a fifth or sixth VCE subject. Depending on your mark, three to five points will be added to your ATAR aggregate
• The University of Melbourne does not charge fees for participation in the Extension Program. There will just be a small fee to cover printing, teaching and learning resources and staff costs
• You can start building an impressive resume before you’ve even finished secondary school!
• Online applications for 2022 will open in September 2021 and close at 11.59pm on Sunday 2 January 2022. Students will be informed of their application outcome in mid-January 2022
• The Extension Program is designed for high achieving students who are looking for an academic challenge. If you have impressive Year 11 results, hold a strong interest in your preferred Extension Program subject area and have the time management skills to complete tertiary subjects in addition to Year 12 studies, this program could be for you.
• Applicants should check the prerequisite requirements before submitting an application and also seek permission from their school and a parent or guardian.

Mr Raiti and Ms Vossos have been working closely with our Year 12s over the last six weeks, as they prepare their VTAC course selections for next year. In a fastmoving world we know that people will change careers many times in their life. It has been wonderful to see much positivity and excitement, in discussing future education and career plans with students. So many questions! Parents have also shared in these fruitful discussions. Students will have created a VTAC account and locked in their preferences by 30^th September. They will have the opportunity to reorder or change their list on 16^th December, once they receive their ATAR. We will be available to assist and support students with any changes during this time. We wish all our Year 12 students an energised break as they prepare for their final weeks of Secondary Education.

Ms Vossos and Mr Raiti

Careers Team

At lunchtime on this day teachers organised some fun activities that students could join. These included;

• Footy Finals Fever with Mr Hosking & Mr Stubbings

• Drama Club with Ms Ellis

• Recipe Swap with Ms Herbert

• Mindfulness Stretching with Ms Wasif

• Online UNO with Mr Patch

• Pets on Parade with Ms Therik

Thank you to all the teachers who organised sessions!

To enter the competition, recreate an artwork by a famous artist with a twist! You must take the artwork 'Off the Page', meaning that you can't draw/paint/sketch on paper. Send your entries to rosehillstudentnews@gmail.com with a clear picture of your work, and the details of the original artwork (name and artist). Entries close in week 1 of the holidays.

There are a number of fantastic art kits up for grabs for some lucky participants – you’ve got to be in it to win it!

For more information about the competition, to find inspiration, and to keep up with some of the entries, head across to the new Rosehill Art and Design Instagram page at @rosehillsc_artanddesign.

You can pick any famous artwork that you like. If you need some help in finding an artwork, you can use Google Images or look at famous gallery websites like MoMA, The Met, or The NGV.

Strathmore Family Medical Centre (25 Woodland Street, Essendon VIC 3040) has AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines available.

Parents, students and school staff are able to book at the clinic for their vaccination.

The current waiting time is less than 2 weeks.

Please call the clinic on 03 9088 0288 to make a booking.