Secondary School Vaccine Program
Term 2 – Wednesday 24 April 2024
On the morning of Wednesday 24 April, our Years 7 and 10 students can participate in the Secondary School Vaccine program facilitated by the Maroondah Council immunisation team, here at Tintern.
Maroondah Council requires the online consent form to be submitted for all student, including those not wanting their child to participate in this program by Tuesday 17 April.
Students are to wear PE uniform on the day.
Below you will find useful links with information about the importance of vaccination, frequently asked questions and the many health benefits it provides to our younger population.
Important information about these vaccines is provided on the Better Health Channel website
The Maroondah Council’s website also has some useful tips on preparing for vaccination
Please email Tintern First Aid, with any further queries or call Maroondah Community Health on 9294 5603 or email.
Kylie MacDonald and Maree Morphett | School Nurse
How you can support your child when they are feeling stressed
Stress is a part of life. Everyone experiences stress, and some stress is okay. It can get give your child the motivation and focus to get things done. For example, feeling stressed about an upcoming test or exam can motivate your child to study. Or knowing they have to get to the bus on time can help your child get ready in the morning.
Causes of stress in children and teenagers
Many situations can cause stress for young people including
- Schoolwork, decisions about subjects, exams and pressure to do well
- Relationships with friends and romantic relationships
- Life changes like leaving school, moving house, going to university or getting a job
- Too many things to do, and feeling unprepared or overwhelmed by tasks
- Exciting things, like trying a new sport
- Family conflict
- Big decisions, like deciding whether to talk about something sensitive or important
- Lack of sleep
Signs of too much stress in children and teenagers
Although some stress is okay, too much stress can be overwhelming. It can interfere with sleep, thinking and learning, and it can get in the way of your child enjoying life. Signs of stress in children and teenagers include
- Difficulties with sleep
- Fatigue
- Being disengaged
- Being anxious or panicky
- Being depressed
- Headaches or stomach aches
- Irritability
- Difficulties with concentration and focus
- School refusal
- Changes in appetite
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
When your child has too much stress for a long time, this can have an effect on your child’s physical and mental health.
How can you help a stressed child or teenager?
The best ways to help a stressed young person is to communicate and to provide regular support.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Acknowledge their stress. A child or teenager is more likely to open up and accept your support if they know you’re taking what they’re going through seriously. It’s important to remember that teenage issues and experiences are unique to everyone.
- Help them to figure out what’s within their control and what isn’t. Working out what you can actually have an impact on, and then learning to accept what is out of your control, can really help managing stress.
- Encourage a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity and exercise improve mood and can give your child a sense of achievement, as well as boosting their physical health. Exercise also burns off the ‘stress hormone’ cortisol and can help the body relax. Eating and sleeping well can help your child feel good, strong, energetic, alert and able to concentrate.
- Help them to learn some stress management techniques. You can introduce them to relaxation, deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques, or encourage them to try mindfulness or meditation.
- Encourage and help them to find other sources of support. While it’s a positive thing if your child is open to working with you to manage their stress, it can also be a good idea to help them find other sources of help. Encourage them to talk to other family members and friends, and make sure they have a strong support network around them. They could talk to a teacher or counsellor or a mental health hotline.
If stress gets too much – consider seeking extra support.
If your child is often overwhelmed by stress and is finding it difficult to cope with everyday things, they might benefit from extra support.
Your child could start by:
- talking to their GP
- seeing the school counsellor or a psychologist with training in child and adolescent mental health
- talking to a spiritual leader or elder
- calling Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
- calling Parentline on 1300 30 1300
- visiting headspace on 1800 650 890
If you have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your child’s Pastoral Mentor, Year Level Co-ordinator, or the Counselling Team
Natalie Maguire | School Counsellor
