06 May 2017
Dear Parents and Carers,
You may have seen information on the news and in social media about television shows which focus on issues around youth suicide.
It has come to the school's attention that some of our students have watched one series in particular without parental supervision, and have been disturbed by its contents. Given the nature of the issues raised in the series, it is important that parents/carers and the school work together to support students to talk about these issues. If you are concerned about the content of any shows your children may be watching, please talk to them about your concerns, or not allow them to watch these shows. The well being of students is a key priority for all of us.
It is critical that conversations we have both at home and at school are supported by appropriate information. We have attached some resources from Headspace, the adolescent mental heath service, to support parents in having conversations about the series with their child. Our staff also have access to these resources.
Our whole staff are strongly committed to supporting the students in our care, and we also have a variety of wellbeing support structures, including the school counselling service, Year Advisors, Head Teacher Wellbeing, the Student Support Officer, Lisa Horgan, and the Aboriginal Education Officers. We also have strong links to support agencies in our area. Students can access support readily at our school.
A reminder that if a young person is distressed and in need of support, they can call or visit:
- Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) or kidshelpline.com.au
- eHeadspace (1800 650 890) or eheadspace.org.au
- Lifeline (13 11 14) or lifeline.org.au
Yours sincerely,
Kem Rakiposki
Principal
How to talk to young people about 13 Reasons Why (pdf 333 KB)