Issue 5 2024 - Student Services
Student Services
Brad Woodruff
Red Frogs
The Student Services team take the safety and well-being of our students very seriously. As part of our ongoing efforts to provide a supportive environment, we were excited to have Red Frogs visit the school recently. Red Frogs is a volunteer network that plays an important role in looking after young people, particularly in social settings.
Who Are Red Frogs?
Named after the lollies they initially handed out at events, Red Frogs volunteers are known for providing care and a calming presence during events that can often be overwhelming for students, such as school parties, festivals, and other gatherings. They also deliver education programs to students that are outlined below.
Leaver/Schoolies Program – Year 12
With Leavers coming up soon, as well as other social events being planned by many of our Year 12 students to celebrate the end of school, it was the right time for them to receive some helpful advice.
Topics discussed include:
Alcohol, drugs & the Australian drinking culture.
Violence, sexual assault & criminal convictions.
Looking after your mates: depression, anxiety & suicide ideation.
How not to get evicted from your accommodation.
Party Safe - Year 10
Our Year 10 students also attended a seminar conducted by Red Frogs titled Party Safe. This program leaves students aware of and equipped to navigate many of the situations they may be confronted with in various party environments, such as after parties and music festivals. Topics included:
Alcohol, drugs & the australian drinking culture.
Violence, sexual assault & criminal convictions.
Mental health including depression, anxiety & suicide ideation.
Managing peer pressure.
Safe partying tips & how to host a safe party.
Practical activities to engage students and reinforce messages.
The primary focus of Red Frogs is harm minimisation. They help create a safer environment for young people, especially when alcohol or high-energy social situations are involved. Here are some of the ways they provide support:
How Red Frogs Benefit Our Students
For many young people, navigating social situations can be challenging. Having a trusted, non-judgmental adult presence like the Red Frogs can significantly reduce risky behavior and encourage better decision-making. Whether it’s a school function or a large social event, the involvement of Red Frogs has been shown to reduce harm, improve student well-being, and foster a more responsible community.
How You Can Support
We encourage parents to talk to their children about the importance of safety and responsible decision-making in social situations. It’s also helpful for students to know that if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, there are services like Red Frogs available to them. Thank you for your continued support in making our school a safe, nurturing environment for all students.
Upcoming Triple P workshops
Triple P is a parenting intervention with the main goals of increasing the knowledge, skills, and confidence of parents and reducing the prevalence of mental health, emotional, and behavioural problems in children and adolescents.
Free online parent workshops Term 4, 2024 Calendar
Facilitated by school psychologist consultants with the Triple P and CPC. The Triple P and Child and Parent Centre teams are excited to offer a series of free online workshops for families. The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program gives parents and carers ideas and strategies to help their child develop the skills and behaviours they need for a healthy childhood. To learn more about Triple P, visit the Education in WA website:
https://www.education.wa.edu.au/triple-p
How to register
Scan the QR code or type the link below into your browser:
https://forms.office.com/r/GyQwUQMmEN
Registration is essential to attend online workshops and will close 24 hours before the scheduled workshop. You will be sent an email with information and a link to join on the morning of the workshop.
If you would like to register for other Triple P workshops, please visit the Triple P in WA website and search for upcoming sessions by location. Parents can also access a range of Triple P Online programs for free. Please note that these webinars are unable to be recorded.
Transition Out – for Year 12 students – Week 1 Term 4.
Transition Out is a program that came about after Student Service staff spoke with past Year 12 students on their thoughts on leaving school and the associated challenges and changes, they were facing. They cited several concerns, including:
Budgeting and financial worries.
Accessing government grants and allowances.
Share housing and renting properties.
Meal planning and preparation.
How to apply to TAFE.
College staff, government agencies and local community members will be delivering the following sessions:
Food Sensations® for Schools - a practical nutrition education and cooking initiative - Donna Edmondson and Nina Murray (Health Department).
Money Matters – accessing government study assistance, budgeting – Drew Milne, Residential Supervisor.
Accessing online government services and applying for government financial assistance – Petra Thompson – Denmark CRC.
Q and A on Health – Dana Boston – School Nurse.
Renting – Heather O’Donnell and Monique DeMarco, Ray White Denmark.
RU Legal? – Legal Aid WA - community legal education session about the criminal justice system and laws most relevant to our students.
Transition Out also involves a number of dress-up days, such as coming dressed as your favourite staff member and cowboys and cowgirls. Other special events held during the week, to say goodbye to our Year 12’s include:
A function in The HIVE hosted by Student Services staff.
A BBQ in the Paddock attended by farm staff and students.
Year 12 Dinner held at Boston Brewery.
A long table lunch, where our Year 12’s take prime position in the centre of the dining room.
Brad Woodruff
Program Coordinator - Student Services
WACOA – Denmark