Head of Students News

Term 2 ASH PROGRAM

The ASH program incorporates social, emotional and behaviour strategies, careers preparation and academic skills.  Students across all year groups 5 – 12 have one ASH lesson per cycle of the timetable (1 lesson per fortnight). The ASH program is another layer of support in the College pastoral care program and designed to equip all boys with the skills necessary to be good Christians and good citizens as they progress through the

College and beyond. Set out below are the key topics for this term:

Year 5 - Bullying

This unit explores what bullying is and, importantly, what it isn’t.  It also helps the students develop an awareness and understanding of bullying and the reasons why some people might bully others. Bullying behaviours are investigated and we look at strategies that can be utilised if students find themselves the victim of bullying.

Year 6 - Values

This unit will create an awareness and an understanding of what is meant by the term values. A definition of what our values are is determined. The unit will also help the students identify what some of their values are and, when are the times in life when they will need to use these values.   

Year 7 - Naplan Prep and friendships

The first lesson of this unit will focus on Naplan preparation.  A discussion of what it means to be a Marist Man, how we treat others and how we develop healthy friendships will ensue.

Year 8 - Emotional Regulation

This unit explores the purpose of emotions and how to recognise key feelings in yourself and others.  A toolbox of strategies on how to effectively manage emotions is discussed, with a particular focus on Mindfulness and Anger Management.  Students will have an opportunity to practice these strategies in class and develop action plans for future stressful events.

Year 9 - Naplan and Responsible Choices

The first lesson is focused on Naplan preparation. The remaining lessons of the term will focus on choices around alcohol and pornography. To support class work Year 9 will receive presentations from Smashed (alcohol awareness) and Real Talk highlighting the impact of pornography on relationships and the brain.

Year 10 - Being a Marist Man in Relationships

The focus of this unit is on healthy relationships.  Topics on the purpose and importance of our relationships with others, factors that influence meaningful romantic relationships and developing an informed conscience around sexual decision making and consent. Your Choicez media will be working with the cohort for a full day at the end of the term on the concepts of masculinity, consent and respect.  This topic will also continue into Term 3.

Year 11 - Leadership

Students will be completing work from the Act a Man program before lessons will focus on leadership skills preparation. One skill that is important when leading others is the ability to convey information to a group of people.  Having the skill of writing and presenting engaging speeches is important, whether you are applying for a school leadership position, going for a job interview, delivering a class presentation or motivating your sporting team. Therefore, this unit will focus on teaching boys the technical skills of public speaking. Past students as guest speakers will share their experience in this area with the cohort. A RAAP (Queensland Fire and emergency service presentation) on driver awareness has also been booked in for Year 11.

Year 12 - Leading into the Future

This unit aims to equip boys with life-based skills that they can use when they leave the College. Students will attend the RAAP driver and emergency services presentation from the Queensland Fire service and with the help of our parent body as guest speakers; presentations to students regarding responsibilities that young people can find challenging when beginning life in the real world from a legal perspective.