News Update
The 2023 update of the cross-sectoral “School response and planning guidelines for students with suicidal behaviour and non‑suicidal self‑injury” has just been released. Click here to view the guidelines.
The Guidelines assist schools staff to identify and effectively respond to suicidal behaviour and non-suicidal self injury. These guidelines include:
· information and resources for school-based responses.
· guidance to develop a risk management plan; and
· advice for linking with other agencies.
The Guidelines were updated through the Mental Health Commission (MHC) administered School Suicide Response and Prevention Project, which has representatives from the Department of Education, Catholic Education Western Australia, Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service and Youth Focus Incorporated.
Support in the implementation of the guidelines may be provided by your AISWA School Psychologist (asps@ais.wa.edu.au).
Upcoming Events
Triple P – Positive Parenting Program
This program is one of the most effective evidence-based parenting programs in the world, backed by more than 35 years of ongoing research. Triple P gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships and confidently manage their children’s behaviour. Triple P Online, Fear-Less Triple P Online, and Triple P Online for Baby are now available FREE under the Australian Government’s Parenting Education and Support Program. Flyers for Fear-Less and Triple P can be found below.
Aussie Optimism Train-the-Trainer: 28 – 31 May 2024
Developed at Curtin University, Aussie Optimism is an evidence-based mental health promotion program for children and adolescents from Kindy to Year 8. The program teaches practical skills and strategies relating to social and emotional wellbeing and problem-solving in children. Teachers must attend a one-day training workshop prior to program implementation. Teachers and student support staff can also become accredited Aussie Optimism trainers by attending a four-day Train-the-Trainer course, fully funded by the Mental Health Commission. Trainers provide coaching and support to teachers who implement the program in schools. Further information can be found here. Alternatively, the AISWA School Psychology team (asps@ais.wa.edu.au) has trainers available if schools wish to discuss implementation of the program.
COVID Safety for Schools Course
Launched on 19 February 2024, the COVID Safety for Schools Course is a high-quality video-based course for Australian schools. It explains the realities of COVID in clear, easy-to-understand language and provides practical advice on how to minimise the risk of COVID spreading at schools, based on the latest science. The course has been created with the involvement of leading scientific and medical experts in fields relevant to COVID. The course is available online, self-paced and completely free.
Effective Prevention & Responses to School Bullying using Restorative Processes – 9th May 2024, Newman Siena Centre
The impact of bullying on student wellbeing is well documented. It is estimated that one student in four reports bullying in person, and one in five reports online bullying. All students involved in bullying need support, including those who are bullied, those bullying others and those who are bystanders. This workshop, presented by psychologist Coosje Griffiths, provides participants with current knowledge and hands-on skills to implement practical and effective interventions to address bullying and enhance relationships. A range of tools to implement whole school approaches are provided. Research is translated into effective school practices. Strategies are based on positive psychology, strength-based principles with the goal of improving student wellbeing and peer relationships as a protective factor against bullying, as well as interventions to resolve bullying incidents. The workshop is highly interactive & engaging. Please click here for further information.
The Luminos Project - A sanctuary for youth experiencing thoughts of suicide
The Luminos Project is a brand new, free service for young people experiencing thoughts of suicide. It is funded by the Mental Health Commission, and is a collaboration between Samaritans, Ruah, and Telethon. The Project aims to provide an alternative to a medical facility for those who don’t have another option but may not be requiring an ED-level or longer stay intervention. Luminos practitioners are committed to working closely with young people to give them skills over a short time, so they can feel renewed, confident, and refreshed when they go back to their community. Further information about this service can be found here and the Project website. The Luminos Project team are now scheduling a limited number of in person and online seminars for senior students (16+) and staff to raise awareness of the service. Interested schools should contact Luminos on 6230 3903 to schedule a presentation.