Your school-based youth health nurse at Kepnock High is Retha de Beer and she is onsite Mondays, Tuesdays and every 2nd Wednesday. She is located in A block where there is a private area for students, parents or carers to come have a chat if needed. This service is confidential however she do have a duty of care to ensure students are safe and protected from harm. This means that if there are concerns for a student's safety, she may need to talk to other services which at times might include school staff and Principle.
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 her during class time unless previously arranged.
The School Nurse (SBYHN) provides a range of prevention and early intervention services, in conjunction with other support staff to support the health and wellbeing of young people, families and the school community which including enhanced sexual health services, mental health and wellbeing and respectful relationships.
Other things she can see students, parents or carers 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 young people are in a developmental stage characterised by rapid social, emotional and physical change and this can make some days very stressful and a talk is sometimes all that is needed to help.
Please do not hesitate to contact student services or email rdebe0@eq.edu.au if you need to reach out.