14 May 2021
With a focus on mental health - the Federal Government has just announced its most recent Budget, with $2.3 billion scheduled over four years towards a National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan - at QHS we also take supporting the mental health of students seriously.
QHS Counsellor Ms Berthon and her ‘Learner Therapy Dog’, eight-and-a-half-month-old Espoir are a welcome sight around the school grounds.
The duo are at QHS on a 9-day-forthnight, and students can speak to Ms Berthon during her regular rounds in the school grounds.
“If students need to arrange a meeting with me, they can speak to me in person to arrange a time, their parents/carers can call the school and leave a message for me and I will call them back to arrange a meeting or students can speak to their Teachers or Year Advisor,” said Ms Berthon.
While the impacts of the drought and covid continue to be felt amongst our communities, Ms Berthon said she recommends the ‘Mental Fitness Challenge’ as a tool for positive psychology.
“The Challenge covers, gratitude, mindfulness, social connection, strengths, meaning and purpose to assist in creating a mental fitness plan,” continued Ms Berton, who suggest those interesting in finding out more go to www.biteback.org.au