St Joseph's College, Echuca

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Wellbeing Group Programs

FitWell

Fourteen year 7-9 students have been participating in Fitwell, a 10 week group program that takes a holistic approach to promoting positive social/emotional and physical health. Throughout the program, students attend seven sessions at Fitmob with a trained fitness instructor. During this time they have the opportunity to build a rapport with peers while participating in group fitness activities.

 

Students also attend one full day each week for the last three weeks of term at Murray Life Adventures. Here they are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, participating in outdoor education activities whilst learning the principles of teamwork, perseverance and positive thinking.

 

Man Up

Man Up is a boys group included in the Year 8-9 Clubs program. The objective of the program is to:

  • build resilience through G.E.M principles - (Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness)
  • explore and establish identity through examination of fixed and growth mindsets, values, morals and beliefs
  • build self-confidence while identifying strengths, setting goals and exploring the idea of projecting and attracting positivity into one’s environment
  • promoting physical health through active games and physical activity.

If you would like any information on Fitwell or Man Up, or have any questions, please contact wellbeing@sje.vic.edu.au

 

Friendship and Belonging

There are a range of factors and situations that impact and influence the way we interact and engage with others. In our role as educators, we are often asked for advice around this, and are called upon to assist and support when there are challenges in friendships and relationships between peers. 

 

We often speak of the importance of being respectful, inclusive and understanding of others and also acknowledge this can sometimes present challenges when something negative occurs or is said. 

 

Research indicates that strong relationships and connections are an excellent predictor of wellbeing and a strong indicator of how we, or others (including our children), are travelling. 

 

Perhaps most importantly, we understand the necessity and positive impact of being kind, and leaving people better than how we found them. 

 

Adolescence can be a difficult time as we are navigating the development of our own identity and our relationships with others. 

 

School TV has some excellent resources to further assist parents and students:

“It is not always easy for children and teenagers to always know how to manage friendships. Learning how to make new friends and keep them involves a number of skills every young person needs to understand and develop. For some these skills will come very naturally, allowing them to easily move between different friendship groups, sharing their experiences and opening up to new people. For others, this can be much harder to navigate. Belonging to a group that is like-minded with similar interests is highly beneficial to a child’s wellbeing. Friendships are full of ups and downs and it is better for kids to learn how to manage and build their own friendships, even though as an adult carer you may be tempted to interfere.”

Special Report: Vaping

“Over recent months, there has been a growing concern about the impending epidemic affecting young people in relation to the use of e-cigarettes and the trendy pastime of vaping. As this activity grows in popularity, most teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and the potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health.

Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapour created by an electronic cigarette, or e-cigarette. Although vaping is often marketed as being the “healthy” alternative to smoking, doctors advise that if you do not smoke, then you should not start vaping. Although vaping products are infused with enticing flavours, many contain high levels of nicotine as well as other chemicals and additives, that when inhaled, can cause severe damage to the lungs.

Australia has strict regulations in place for nicotine-containing products and despite it being illegal to use, sell or buy nicotine for use in e-cigarettes, users are purchasing these products through other avenues. A recent Australian study of chemically flavoured liquids used in e-cigarettes which are available here for purchase over the counter, has confirmed concerns about their safety and respiratory health impact. Attempts are being made to regulate vaping and ban the importation of vape products containing nicotine. Unfortunately, manufacturers are developing vaping devices that are cheaper and easier to hide than conventional cigarettes, making it more attractive and cost-effective for impressionable young people.

 

For more information click here to download vaping fact sheets from the Lung Foundation Australia.

 

Or, if this special report has raised some issues, please seek support from your medical practitioner or one of the following services:

Lung Foundation Australia 1800 654 301 • Quitline 13 78 48

Poisons Information Line 13 11 26 • Alcohol and Drug Foundation 1300 85 85 84

 

A reminder that being in possession of, and/or using a vape on school grounds is illegal. There has been an increase in media attention as vaping is increasingly more problematic in schools and society, causing significant health and safety concerns. 

 

https://sje.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au

 

Wellbeing Tips for Winter

  • Try to get some sunshine!
  • Continue (or start!) to exercise - both indoor and outdoor exercise such as walking, riding a bike, swimming (indoors during winter!) are an excellent way to support your wellbeing and overall wellness.
  • Stay warm as best as you can.
  • Have consistent sleep habits. 
  • Eat well and pay attention to what your body needs. 
  • Stay socially connected - often during winter we would rather hibernate or withdraw. Work to maintain social contacts and relationships. 
  • Check in with loved ones.
  • Be kind! Doing something kind for others is a great way to improve and enhance our moods, emotions and wellbeing too!
  • Engage in self-care activities such as reading, painting, listening to music, playing an instrument, exercising, cooking, watching a movie or television show, playing board games, gardening, the list is endless! 
  • Also remember to seek help or assistance if needed. 

 

Rach Chapman

College Leader - Pastoral Care and Wellbeing