College Counsellor News
A Special Report: Consent & Respectful Relationships
As students move through adolescence, their understanding of relationships, boundaries and respectful behaviour continues to develop and deepen. Secondary school is a time when young people are navigating increased independence, complex peer dynamics and growing exposure to social and digital influences. Supporting them to build a clear and healthy understanding of consent and respectful relationships is an essential part of their overall wellbeing.
This School TV Special Report explores consent as an ongoing, age‑appropriate learning process rather than a single conversation. Consent extends beyond sexual activity, and this report highlights how respectful relationships are built on communication, empathy, trust and mutual respect, and how these skills apply across friendships, dating relationships and online interactions. In today’s digital world, young people may encounter situations that are confusing or challenging, making consistent and clear guidance from trusted adults more important than ever.
Families play a vital role in reinforcing these messages. Open, calm and ongoing conversations at home, alongside learning and support provided at school, help young people develop confidence in understanding boundaries, recognising respectful behaviour and making informed choices. When schools and families work together to reinforce shared values, students are better equipped to navigate relationships safely and respectfully.
We encourage families to take time to engage with this Special Report and use it as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
Here is the link to your special report:https://mccww.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-consent-respectful-relationships-au
As always, the College Counselling service is available to support students and families. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
As we move into Easter and the end of term break, please remember if you are having a tough time there is always support available. Reaching out and talking to someone is the best thing you can do. Whether it be family, friends, or professionals there is always someone there.
Please consider the following:
Missed the SchoolTV webinar, Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience?
The recording is available until Monday 4 May via the link below or on the Webinar Series tile on our SchoolTV homepage.
I encourage you to download the KEYpoints flyer to support conversations at home.
Understanding Anxiety and Depression to Foster Resilience (Part I)
School TV will deliver Part 2 of the Webinar Series in Term 2, with further details to be shared next term.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter break.
Look forward to seeing you in Term 2.
Karen Surian College/School Counsellor
