Yanchep Secondary College provides an environment which fosters the development of intellectual and creative potential, physical and emotional health and social responsibility. We recognise that health and success in schools are correlated and the school shares a responsibility with families to develop good student health practices. The school recognises the importance of three inter-connected components of curriculum, school organisation and school partnerships and services.
Aims
- To create a school environment that improves physical, social, spiritual, mental and emotional health
- To enable students to take responsibility for their own health and develop a life-long healthy mindset
- To develop healthy habits and behaviours
Implementation
Health education is compulsory for all students in Years 7 to 10. Health Studies is offered in Year 11 and 12. The curriculum is:
- Designed to motivate students to maintain and improve their health, prevent disease, and avoid health-related risk behaviours
- Taught in ways that model healthy behaviours and respect for others Physical activity is promoted to develop motor skills and encourage positive attitudes needed to value physical activity as an ongoing component of a healthy lifestyle.
The physical environment is safe, well maintained and provides adequate shaded recreation areas in accordance with SunSmart recommendations and students are encouraged to maintain a clean environment.
- Asthma management posters are displayed and reliever medications area available
- The café provides nutritious food and encourages healthy choices
- The campus is at all times smoke free
- The Student Services team supports all staff to provide pastoral care both in and out of the classroom.
- Policies, programs and practices which reduce bullying are in place to ensure all students feel valued and safe
- Social activities and recognition of student achievements are provided at both year group and whole school level
- Support is available for students who have experienced grief or other adverse emotional events
A Community Nurse is based at the school three days per week and works in partnership with the school to promote the health and wellbeing of the school population by:
- Implementing targeted assessments and providing specialist health expertise to optimise the health and educational outcomes of children identified as having health, developmental or psychosocial difficulties, including timely referral to other appropriate services and support.
- Advising school staff and parents on ways to support health care for students with identified health conditions or difficulties
- Supporting identified school promotion strategies in order to promote students’ healthy lifestyle behaviours based on the needs of the school community, with a particular focus on prevention of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and the promotion of social and mental health
The School Psychologist, Chaplains, Year Coordinators, First Aid Officer and Nurse provide emotional/social support to students with psychological, emotional, spiritual or social health issues. Liaison with families and referrals occur as required.
The School Psychologist, Chaplains, Year Coordinators, First Aid Officer and Nurse provide emotional/social support to students with psychological, emotional, spiritual or social health issues. Liaison with families and referrals occur as required.
Illness/Injury/Emergency Situations/Ambulance
School facilities are for the provision of basic first aid only and do not allow for the accommodation of sick or injured students at school.
Parents/guardians will be notified when students are unable to remain at school and will be responsible for their transport home or to hospital for further care. Should an ambulance be required, the costs are the responsibility of parents/guardians.
Medications
Medications, other than asthma relievers, are not routinely supplied or administered. Students on prescribed medications are encouraged, where possible, to take their medication at home. If medication is to be taken at school, sufficient medication for one day only is to be carried. Parents are encouraged to make contact with the Nurse for information about medication requirements at school and to discuss their child’s specific needs.