Health and Wellbeing at Dio

Thank you to all the students, staff and whaanau who attended our 2024 school charity The Voices of Hope event this term. Many parents have asked us for some of the key messages shared from the evening. Below is a summary of this very worthwhile discussion.

• It's not weak to speak.

• People can only help you with the information you give them

• Start reaching in, as opposed to waiting for people to reach out for help

• Youth want their parents to know that it is not their fault

• It's important to role model help-seeking behaviour

• You are in control of your social media - BLOCK, DELETE, MUTE, UNFOLLOW anyone who makes you feel less than your amazing self.

• We all have a story behind the smile

• Always be kind!

• Early warning signs can differ from person to person, but trust your gut if you think your loved one may be struggling.

• It's not 'just a phase.'

• The only way out is through

• Survive: To continue to live or exist in hardship and keep going in difficult circumstances.

• Fight: To engage in a battle or war. Fight to overcome and destroy adversity.

We are here to support you.

At our school, the well-being of our students and staff is a top priority. We understand that there are times when students may need extra support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to. Our dedicated deans, school counsellors and school nurse are here to help!

Our pastoral team is led by Mrs Sonja Maree, Associate Principal - Student and School Wellbeing. She is located in Students Services in the Sports Education Centre and can be reached at smaree@wdsg.school.nz

Confidentiality:

Rest assured, all conversations with our counsellors and nurse are confidential. They are here to provide a safe and supportive space for all students.

Dio Blood Drive

New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) will be holding a mobile blood drive at:

Waikato Diocesan School

Friday 2nd August

9:00 am – 1:30 pm

Sign up with the nurse from the start of Term 3 in the Vicky McLennan Wellness Centre.

It is important that we encourage students into a lifetime habit of donating blood and making a worthwhile contribution to their community.

The Care of Children Act 2004 allows people 16 years and over to make their own decisions about whether or not they wish to give blood. Students may choose to donate blood at this session.

NZBS recommends that students discuss becoming blood donors with their families. If families have a particular objection to the student donating blood, please inform the student and the school before the blood drive date stated above. More information about blood donation will be available on the day of the blood drive.

NZBS respects the privacy of all donors and recommends that conversations around blood donor eligibility be carried out sensitively. If you require any further information, please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) or visit nzblood.co.nz

Becoming a blood donor

First-time donors / Existing donors

Age: 16 to 70 years of age. Up to 80 years of age, subject to approval.

Height /Weight: Weigh at least 50kg – First-time donors under 25 must also meet the height and weight criteria. Use our handy calculator on our website at www.nzblood.co.nz to find out if you can donate.

Health

• You must be in good health.

• You cannot donate if you have a cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug or any other infection.

• You must wait three months following a tattoo or piercing before you can donate. However, if the piercing was performed by a registered health professional (G.P., pharmacist, etc.), you may be eligible to donate after 12 hours.

• If you have recently visited the dentist, you must wait at least 24 hours following a minor procedure (cleaning, fillings or braces) or until you have recovered before donating. For complex procedures, such as tooth extraction, please wait at least seven days after your procedure and any antibiotic treatment.

Travel

If you have been overseas recently, please refer to the “Donating after Travelling” tool available at www.nzblood.co.nz to find out when you can donate.

Food

You must have eaten a good meal and had plenty of water to drink during the four hours prior to donation.

Identification

You need to bring suitable identification with you. Examples of acceptable ID are a driver’s licence, birth certificate, or passport. A Student ID Card is acceptable if it features your full name, date of birth, and photograph. With your consent, we may also ask the school to confirm that you are at least 16 years old.

Important facts about blood

There is no substitute for human blood -healthy donors are our only blood supply source.

Around 30,000 patients are treated with blood or blood products annually in New Zealand.

A blood donation is separated into different components, each of which is used to treat different patients - accident trauma, patients undergoing surgery, people with leukaemia, transplant patients and many others. Blood products are also used for immunisation to help prevent diseases such as hepatitis A and B, tetanus and chickenpox.

Each donation can help save up to 3 people - blood donors are literally lifesavers!