Hi all, I’m Mia your new Queechy High School health nurse – I will be sharing this role with Penni.  I work as part of the State-wide School health nurse team across Tasmanian Government schools.  The programme aims to support schools to create a physical and social environment that promotes health, wellbeing and assists to improve health and education outcomes for children and young people in Tasmania. In secondary schools the focus is to promote good health and wellbeing, and to work with students, teachers and the school community on issues that may include body image, physical activity and nutrition, mental health, addictions and risk behaviours, sexual health and relationships, positive parenting for teenagers with babies, and promotion of good health and wellbeing.

I also offer one to one assistance, working with health promotion activities, and being involved with health education where requested. I have been a nurse for around 14 years (mostly working in acute care) with 12 of those working as a midwife. I am currently working in partnership with 3 high schools and will be at Queechy High every Monday.  Please feel free to drop in and say "Hi". I am located in the school nurse office (upstairs from the school office). Students can attend appointments with me at the school. Teachers and support staff can refer students who can also self-refer.  I’m happy to work with parents where requested and can be contacted via the school office if you would like to make an appointment.  Just as a reminder, first aid needs still go through the school’s usual process as I am not in the school every day. 

If you would like more information on School Nurses just click on the hyperlink below.

https://documentcentre.education.tas.gov.au/Documents/Infosheet-Health-School-Health-Nurses.pdf

Cheers Mia

I’m Penni, your other new School Health Nurse at Queechy High School. I will be working Thursdays and every second Friday.

I am here to help students, parents and/or staff alike through promoting optimal physical and mental health outcomes. This can be in whatever form that is appropriate to the group at hand, or on an individual basis. I am keen to get involved in the school garden if possible, as I believe growing edible plants is a skill many are not exposed to these days.

A little bit about me: I have just had a significant ‘0’ birthday, which was a bit of a festival over some months, instead of an overseas trip to Vietnam?. I am the mother of two wonderful humans (most of the time!) – a son who is 18 and a daughter who is 16. I have worked as a Midwife consistently over the past 25 years in various locations in Tasmania, as well as a year in Vietnam. During that time, I have also been a GP Practice Nurse and I currently work in the realm of sexual assault and forensic examining as well as midwifery.

In my spare time I like to cook, run and bush walk. I also love all types of music and have been known to embarrass my children with my ‘special’ dancing skills! My passions are people, food, coffee and wine (in that order ?).

I look forward to working with you all.

Penni Ives