Welcome to the newest member of the Wellbeing Team, Daniela Riitano
(School Counsellor).
My name is Daniela Riitano, but I go by Dani and I am the newly appointed School Counsellor. I started at Lalor Secondary College towards the end of term 1. I am a qualified social worker with previous experience at Department of Health & Human Services and most recently at Footscray Hospital where I have been working as a clinical social worker for the past 7 years. I have experience working with individuals with mental health, family violence, homelessness and drug & alcohol history to name a few. I have a passion for supporting people to build resilience as well as creating opportunities to empower young people to make positive lifestyle choices and improve their overall health and well-being. I am very excited to be working at Lalor Secondary College and be a part of such a progressive Wellbeing Team. I look forward to meeting you all, enhancing student outcomes and providing students and families with a positive experience of Lalor Secondary College.
Dani Riitano
School Counsellor
YOGA Thursdays
Due to popular demand, the Wellbeing Team is excited to announce it will continue to deliver YOGA Thursdays at Lalor Secondary College for the eighth consecutive year. A fully qualified and registered Yoga teacher will continue to teach yoga to students and staff at the College; fostering happiness and healthier minds. Yoga is becoming increasingly popular in our communities, not only for health and fitness, but for sound mind and sense of confidence and wellbeing. Some of the physical benefits of Yoga include: balanced hormones, healthy metabolism, heart health, lower blood pressure, aiding the reduction of headaches and migraines, lower stress and healthy adrenaline levels, joint health, mobility and flexibility.
YOGA Thursdays will be open to ALL students and ALL staff at the College, occurring [most] Thursdays in Term 1, 2 & 3 between 3:15pm – 4pm in the College Drama Centre. Yoga mats are NOT provided by the school due to hygiene practices and individuals are encouraged to bring their own mat/towel and drink bottle to each session. NO payment required! Signed consent by a parent / guardian / carer is essential for students. Consent forms can be obtained from the ‘General office’ or alternatively the ‘Welfare office’.
In Health, Happiness & Solidarity
Wellbeing Team
AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK PROGRAM (ASH)
The Wellbeing Team at Lalor Secondary College in collaboration with ‘The Smith Family’ and ‘Whittlesea Community Connections’ provide support for students with their homework by delivering the After School Homework Program (ASH). ASH commences in week three (Tuesday 9th February) and will occur [most] Tuesdays between 3pm – 4pm in the [new] College Library over the course of the year. Students have the option of leaving early and are not required to stay the length of the program, however please note, if any student leaves the program early they are not permitted to remain in the school grounds and must either make their way home immediately or be collected by a parent or guardian. Teachers and trained volunteer tutors attend each session to assist students with work; students are encouraged to bring their digital devices for educational purposes. Students also have access to library resources including computer and internet, and wellbeing staff. The whole school educational initiative is open to students in all year levels; however, parent / guardian / carer consent is required. Consent forms are available from the General Office or the Welfare Office. Students who arrive after 3:30pm will NOT be permitted to participate.
In Health, Happiness & Solidarity
WELLBEING TEAM
