Earlier this week, students in Year 9 completed their first (of three) sessions in Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM). YAM is a program aimed at exploring various components of mental health and the impact that it has on a young person's overall wellbeing. It invites young people to reflect on their emotions and to consider different approaches when faced with life challenges or mental health concerns. Furthermore, it is designed to equip students with a range of strategies to not only deal with challenges that they face in their own lives, but to support friends who may be experiencing challenges of their own. The remaining sessions of YAM will occur over the next two weeks and I’d certainly encourage parents and carers to have a conversation with their sons and daughters with regards to the program. 

In Week 10 of term, students in Year 10 will be participating in a program of events known as Year 10 Transition Week. Students will spend one day at Stanwell Tops participating in a range of outdoor recreational activities, one day of pastoral activities, and two days of curriculum-based activities aimed at preparing them for the rigour necessary for Year 11 and 12. Such a program requires a great deal of preparation and planning and I particularly thank and acknowledge the work of Mr Rees, Ms Miller, Mrs Kripal, Mr Daniels and the Year 10 pastoral team for the work that they have done in order to ensure the success of the week’s activities. 

Finally, a reminder of the COVID-19 directives that are in place for the remainder of Term 4: 

• If a student or staff member is unwell and has any COVID-19 symptoms, even the mildest of symptoms, they should stay home and test, and only return once their symptoms are gone. 
• If your child tests positive for COVID-19, please continue to notify the school and remain at home until symptoms have gone.

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead.