Attention Heathmont College Community!
IDAHOBIT day is just around the corner on this Saturday (May 17th), however we as a school will be celebrating the day on the following 19th (Monday). But what is IDAHOBIT? Here is some background info:
What is IDAHOBIT Day?
IDAHOBIT stands for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia, and it’s held every year on May 17. It’s a day to support LGBTQIA+ people (that includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and others) and to stand up against discrimination and bullying.
A Bit of History IDAHOBIT
Started in 2005 and is now marked in over 130 countries around the world. The date (May 17) was chosen because that’s the day in 1990 when the World Health Organization officially said that being gay is not a mental illness. This was a huge moment for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Why It Matters
Many people in Australia and around the world face exclusion, bullying, or worse just because of who they are or who they love. That’s why IDAHOBIT is so much more than just a day.
It’s a chance to:
– Show support for LGBTQIA+ classmates, teachers, and families.
– Learn about inclusion and acceptance.
– Speak up against unfair treatment or stereotypes.
IDAHOBIT is a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and respected—no matter their gender identity or who they’re attracted to.
What’s Happening at Heathmont
Now that we know a bit more about the day, what are we doing as a school to support it?
Keep your eyes peeled this Monday, especially up around the canteen area for some activities such as face painting, LGBTQIA+ flag quizzes, and more! Also make sure to wear a splash of rainbow and make your mark on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community by putting yourself on the pledge board.
Thanks everyone!
Year 12 OE students are focusing on the health of different environments including the air, water and soil quality. This field trip will provide students with primary data in order to complete the written report SAC. This will be completed when we are back at school. Students will put into practice knowledge around navigating, packing for an overnight trip, camp cooking and first aid. Students will be provided with a camp booklet the week before camp. This trip will provide students with an opportunity to meet their required hours in the outdoors. Students will be leaving Heathmont College on Monday 19th May at 8am. Students will return to Heathmont College on Tuesday 20th May by 3.30pm. |
Rainbows club is back again this year in A5 every Tuesday lunch time! All members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies are welcome!
Rainbows club is a safe space for LGBTQIA+ students to connect with peers and like-minded people. It is also a chance to find out about any relevant community events and resources.
Join Mel and Yvette every Tuesday lunch time in A5.
Smacktalk Community Night Presentation, will take place at Heathmont College on Wednesday 21st of May 2025, 6:30pm – 7:30pm.
Waynes Story:
Tuesday 24 October 2023 was the day our lives changed forever. Our 17-year-old beautiful boy Mac took his life at home. Mac normally got up at 6.30am. At 7am, I knocked on his door and found him. He had taken his own life. The grief, shock, helplessness and self-blame knocked me over physically and mentally.
I asked him regularly if he was ok, he always responded, “I am fine Dad”. He was not fine and if I had the knowledge and skills that I have now, to really listen, the outcome may have been different.
I have now used Mac’s death as a catalyst to do more and we want to educate every person we can reach to simply be a better listener. The research clearly confirms that real learned listening techniques make a world of difference.
The 40-minute SmackTalk session is free of charge. We will come to you, small groups, big groups, sporting clubs, school groups, business groups – we want to ensure we reduce the epidemic and silent killer that is suicide.
In 2023 alone, more than 3200 people took their own lives in Australia. Of those, 801 people died of suicide in Victoria compared to 299 road deaths in the same period in the State. We need to take urgent action to change these devastating numbers.
We miss our beautiful boy and together we will change hearts.
Wayne Holdsworth, Mac’s Dad
SmackTalk | Start a conversation NOW – to help save lives
Selected students will be participating in the School Sport Victoria, Mullum Division, Intermediate Boys Football (Australian Rules) competition. |
Additional event details: Students will travel by bus to the venue We understand that School start time is 9am however due to travelling to venues and arriving on time for the competition we need to leave Heathmont College between 8.50am and 9am Students are required to be at School between 8.30am and 8.40am to ensure they are marked as present and obtain any uniform required for the day and ensure a prompt leaving time. Students are advised to bring lunch and drinks as there is no guarantee that canteen facilities will be available on the day. Please ensure you are prepared for all weather conditions Students may be required to attend period 5 classes, depending on the fixture and time of return to Heathmont College. Students will not be able to use their mobile phone during the day as per school rules and Government regulations. ****LATE CONSENT/PAYMENT CANNOT BE ACCEPTED**** |
Selected students will be participating in the School Sport Victoria, Mullum Division, Intermediate Boys/Mixed Football (Soccer) competition |
Additional event details: Students will travel by bus to the venue We understand that School start time is 9am however due to travelling to venues and arriving on time for the competition we need to leave Heathmont College between 8.50am and 9am Students are required to be at School between 8.30am and 8.40am to ensure they are marked as present and obtain any uniform required for the day and ensure a prompt leaving time. Students are advised to bring lunch and drinks as there is no guarantee that canteen facilities will be available on the day. Please ensure you are prepared for all weather conditions Students may be required to attend period 5 classes, depending on the fixture and time of return to Heathmont College. Students will not be able to use their mobile phone during the day as per school rules and Government regulations. ****LATE CONSENT/PAYMENT CANNOT BE ACCEPTED**** |
Selected students will be participating in the School Sport Victoria, Mullum Division, Intermediate Girls Netball competition. |
Additional event details: Students will travel by bus to the venue We understand that School start time is 9am however due to travelling to venues and arriving on time for the competition we need to leave Heathmont College between 8.50am and 9am Students are required to be at School between 8.30am and 8.40am to ensure they are marked as present and obtain any uniform required for the day and ensure a prompt leaving time. Students are advised to bring lunch and drinks as there is no guarantee that canteen facilities will be available on the day. Please ensure you are prepared for all weather conditions Students may be required to attend period 5 classes, depending on the fixture and time of return to Heathmont College. Students will not be able to use their mobile phone during the day as per school rules and Government regulations. ****LATE CONSENT/PAYMENT CANNOT BE ACCEPTED**** |
Courage to Care is a non-for-profit company that provides free incursions to school students to inform them about the dangers of prejudice, racism and discrimination. This program will align with the Year 10 English lessons where the focus for the Term’s study has been about the Holocaust. Students will participate in workshops over two hours. |
Heathmont College follows the guidelines and health and safety measures recommended to manage the risks associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19). Details can be found via the following link: –https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-settings |
Across term 1 students studied the various landscapes present within Victoria. During this excursion students will participate in a range of activities that examine the biodiversity and management of the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Students will also complete the 1000 steps walk. Students will be walking from Heathmont College to Heathmont Station and will then catch the train to Upper Ferntree Gully Station and then will make their way to the beginning of the walk. Students will be expected to be wearing full school sport uniform with appropriate sun protection as majority of the excursion will be outside. Students will need to bring a valid myki card, snacks, a drink bottle and pen/pencil, students will be able to purchase food during the excursion. Students will be dismissed from Upper Ferntree Gully station at 2:30pm. |
Heathmont College follows the guidelines and health, and safety measures recommended to manage the risks associated with Coronavirus (COVID-19). Details can be found via the following link: -https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-settings |
Dear students and staff.
On Monday 26 of May, this year’s National Reconciliation week began.
National Reconciliation Week runs from 27 May to 3 June. This year’s theme is “Bridging now to next”, a reminder of the ongoing connection between past, present and
future. Throughout the week, there are a few small activities occurring to celebrate at Heathmont.
On Thursday, we will be showing the AFL documentary created to explore Michael Long’s walk to Canberra to fight for Indigenous rights. This will be happening in the HOPE Centre, and students are encouraged to come along and explore the impact Michael Long’s walk had, especially in the Sir Doug Nicholls round recently completed by the AFL.
On Friday, with the help of a number of student helpers, we are going to create a reconciliation wall mural. This will consist of completed colouring sheets and a group activity writing task. Many staff have copies of this mindfulness activity, and some may even use it as a brain break in class.
Thank you for your ongoing support for National Reconciliation week at Heathmont College.
Jack Lynch
Marrung Coordinator
