From the counsellor
Dear Families
The end of term 3 is here, and we are racing towards the end of the year. Here’s how to make the most out of these School Holidays
To help in sifting through all the fun activities, School Link have once again compiled a list of free/low cost activities and events across the region that might present opportunities for children, young people and families to have a chance to learn new skills, engage with the community and have a whole lot of fun! Please feel free to share with your networks and communities to share in the fun!
Time away from routine and support systems can be a challenge for everyone, so it can help to have some ideas handy of positive connections and engagement opportunities that might be available for free, or low cost in your area.
See below for information by council area:
EVENTS BY LGA:
o Mental Health Month -
o 5 Ways to Wellbeing Creative Arts project – With Prizes to be won! (See attachment Five Ways to Wellbeing)
o Taste Camden is back with Live music, celebrity chefs, food and drink stalls and more!
o Check out FREE monthly events with Outloud https://outloud.org.au/events/
o Go 4 Fun programs for Term 4 are also open for registrations: @ https://go4fun.com.au/
o For HSC Students –School Link have collated the events and supports in your local area to unwind, get space, or take time out– See HSC resources attached
o Tulip Time Festival – Southern Highlands – See the beautiful display of 75,000 colourful tulips!
o Celebrate Biodiversity Month – And check out a local hiking path, or local watering hole and enjoy all that nature has to offer! Biodiversity Resources - Sustainable Schools NSW or visit One of the National Parks eg https://www.nationalparks.nsw.
o And check out your local library events for more!
Camden
§ Free Basketball training – all welcome, but a focus for girls 12 -18 - “Pacifika Ballerz” and scan QR Code
o For the history buffs, check out UNLOCK Camden event https://camden-events.
o Taste Camden is back with Live music, celebrity chefs, food and drink stalls and more!
o Go for a walk, and complete the Nepean River Scavenger Hunt to make it interesting - https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/
o Check out School Holidays programs with Big Yellow umbrella including Bunning craft, skate events, Naidoc event and fun days in the sun! https://www.yellowumbrella.
o Check out all the events at the council website - https://camden-events.
o 30+ Things to do for under $20,
o https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/
o Check out Camden Kids for more activities
o Active Activities School Holiday Programs : More here – Art , Sport and more
Campbelltown
- Core Community Services Programs – “Sept-Oct Holiday Program” – Bowling, laser tag, Sydney Zoo, Aqua Gold and Tree Tops Adventure
- Aboriginal Dance Classes with Youth Hub (See AB Central Youth Hub)
- Skate Workshop – Leumeah – (See 1. Leumeah _TOTEM_POSTER)
- Free Basketball training – all welcome, but a focus for girls 12 -18 - “Pacifika Ballerz” and scan QR Code
o Check out events at Lifeline Macarthur’s Hub https://www.lifelinemws.org.
o https://www.campbelltown.nsw.
o 30+ Things to do for under $20
o Check out a bunch of events for children, young people and the family at https://www.campbelltown.nsw.
o Active Activities School Holiday Programs : More here – Art , Sport and more
o https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/
Fairfield
§ The Parks Community Activities: the Parks T3 2024
§ Core Community Services Programs – “Sept-Oct Holiday Program” – Bowling, laser tag, Sydney Zoo, Aqua Gold and Tree Tops Adventrue
o Check the Woodville Alliance Calendar for events - https://woodville.org.au/
o https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.
o https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.
o Active Activities School Holiday Programs : Liverpool/Fairfield here
o https://www.thejunctionworks.
o https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/
Liverpool
§ Board games and Mindfulness Art Workshops with the crew at Headspace at Edmondson Park (See:Flyer for Holiday Workshops V3)
§ The Parks Community Activities: the Parks T3 2024
§ Core Community Services Programs – “Sept-Oct Holiday Program” – Bowling, laser tag, Sydney Zoo, Aqua Gold and Tree Tops Adventrue
o Check out Liverpool Councils vast range of School Holiday programs including Basketball, laser tag, movie nights, lego, craft, mindfulness and more at https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.
o For HSC Students – Headspace Liverpool is running drop in sessions at Whitlam Library. Register at Headspace Mental Health Clinic Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
o Liverpool PCYC Holliday Programs - https://www.pcycnsw.org.au/
o Later in October (25-27th) – Primavera Festival – experience the delights of Latin American culture https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.
o Mid November (15-17th)– Pasifika Summer – Escape to the Pacific Islands in Macquarie mall https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.
o Check out other events hosted by council at https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.
o Visit the Powerhouse - https://www.casulapowerhouse.
o Active Activities School Holiday Programs : Liverpool/Fairfield here
o The Street University: Check out what’s on at https://streetuni.com.au/
o https://www.thejunctionworks.
o https://westernsydney.com.au/
NEARBY /OTHER OFFERINGS for the Holidays:
- NSW Office of Sport – FREE Holiday Break Camps : NSW Office of Sport For more information on School Holiday Programs https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/
sport-and-recreation-centres/ school-holiday-programs - Active Activities School Holiday Programs : More here – Art , Sport and more
- Check out your local Headspace centre, PCYC, or Youth Centre for more ideas.
Also please see attached the Optimistic October calendar from Action for Happiness, designed to promote optimism/positive thinking.
I wish you a safe holiday break, as we approach the final stretch of 2024!
Dear Holy Family Community,
My thoughts and prayers are with families impacted by the escalating hostilities in Lebanon.
It is normal and understandable to be experiencing a range of strong emotions at this time, including shock, grief, anxiety, hopelessness and fear.
STARTTS has services and resources that may be of support.
- Witness to War – A free national multilingual telephone hotline for people living in Australia who are affected by overseas conflicts. Free call 1800 845 198. Arabic-speaking Bicultural Client Support Workers are available to take calls.
- Counselling at STARTTS – STARTTS services are for people of all ages who have survived torture and/or trauma and are refugees, asylum seekers or from refugee-like backgrounds (including being impacted by intergenerational refugee-related trauma). Our closest office is located in Liverpool.
- STARTTS has produced an Arabic language video about our clients’ experiences of getting counselling at STARTTS
- Hints for Healing has produced an Arabic/English article and podcast for parents on how they can promote the wellbeing of their children in times of crisis.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me and to the school with any queries or concerns.
Warm regards,
Sarah