Wow – what a start to the year with Term 1 almost at its end. My name is Michael Barbas and I am the new Student Wellbeing Coordinator and Mental Health Practitioner on the Junior Campus.
As the new Student Wellbeing Coordinator/Mental Health Practitioner, it has been a whirlwind of adjustment, not only around carrying on what Wellbeing is at the Junior Campus but most importantly getting to know the students.
So far it has been a pleasure to take over the Wellbeing Space here at the Junior Campus in LA61. Many students access the space at recess and lunchtime as a way to increase their social connectedness, as well as be apart of a safe space.
Students have also continued to utilise this space as necessary throughout the day, providing a supportive environment for them to reset amidst their daily demands.
Breakfast Club has also made its return to the Junior Campus on Monday & Wednesday mornings from 8:15am with some students stopping by LA37 for a bite to eat and a game of UNO with their friends! – A reminder that Breakfast Club is open to all Year 7 and year Students; stop on by and bring a friend!
As the Student Wellbeing Coordinator and Mental Health Practitioner, I am available to meet with students on a 1:1 basis and provide short term counselling to support their needs accordingly. If students or parents are interested in accessing Wellbeing Supports for themselves or their child please reach out to myself directly: bmi@mwsc.vic.edu.au or speak with the respective Year Level Coordinators or Subschool who will be able to submit a referral to Wellbeing. Additionally, we welcome Jack to the Wellbeing Team as well in Term 1. Jack is a Social Worker who is also available at times to meet with students.
I recognise that the each student is different and the length of support provided is determined on a case by case basis. For parents – The Wellbeing Team is also available to provide consultations regarding any wellbeing related matters; please reach out if I can be of any assistance moving forward.
I look forward to continuing to meet students and supporting them as best as I can. Thank you for the warm welcome into the MWSC Community!
Mr Michael Barbas
Student Wellbeing Coordinator/Mental Health Practitioner.
Understanding Teen Moodiness: A Helpful Podcast for Parents
As parents, it can sometimes feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster with your teens. In this short episode, from The Complex Life Podcast by Marie Vakakis, we explore the common question: “Why does my teen seem so moody?” Rather than brushing off their behavior as just a phase, the podcast dives into the deeper emotional and mental factors at play, including hormonal changes and the social pressures teens face.
This podcast episode (link below) provides practical insights on how to better understand your teen’s emotional world, respond with empathy, and create a supportive environment at home. Listen for tips on how to build stronger connections, validate feelings, and foster healthy communication during these challenging years.
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/why-does-my-teen-seem-so-moody
Ms Irine Sojan
Student Wellbeing Coordinator – Senior Campus