My name is Retha de Beer and I am the School Based Youth Health Nurse for 2023.
I will be based at Kepnock States High School on Mondays, Tuesdays and every 2nd Friday. I am in A block where there is a private area for students, parents or carers to come see me. This service is confidential however I do have a duty of care to ensure students are safe and protected from harm. This means that if I have concerns for a students safety I may need to talk to other services.
Students, parents and carers are welcome to ask at Student Services if they would like to talk to the nurse or make an appointment without having to share details of their concerns.
Students are not allowed to come see me during class time unless previously arranged.
The School Nurse (SBYHN) provides a range of prevention and early intervention services to support the health and wellbeing of young people including enhanced sexual health services, mental health and wellbeing and respectful relationships.
Other things I can see students about are:
- Healthy eating and exercise
- Relationships
- Personal or family problems
- Smoking, alcohol and other drugs including vaping
- Growth and development
- Feeling sad, worried or angry
- General health concerns
- The SBYHN also assists teaching staff with health-related curriculum topics
We know that youth is a developmental stage characterised by rapid social, emotional and physical change and this can make some days very stressful for students and a talk is sometimes all that is needed to help.
Please do not hesitate to contact student services if you need the School based youth health nurse.
Retha de Beer