From the Executive Deputy Principal

Wellbeing Week: Helping Every Person Thrive

Week 1 of Term 4 coincided with Wellbeing Week at St Monica’s College. The week was designed to provide an important opportunity for us to pause, reflect and focus on something that sits at the heart of learning, relationships and personal growth: Wellbeing. While academic achievement is often a visible measure of success, research and experience consistently show that students and staff are at their best when they feel healthy, connected, supported and valued. During the course of the week, specific actions included, student and staff wellness challenges, morning mindfulness walks and lunchtime activities, designated prayers and meditation opportunities, and more directed sessions as part of the Badano Program. 

Wellbeing is much more than simply feeling happy. It encompasses our physical, emotional, social and mental health. It influences how we think, learn, respond to challenges, build relationships and engage with the world around us. When wellbeing is strong, individuals are better equipped to manage stress, navigate setbacks and make positive choices. When wellbeing is compromised, even everyday tasks can feel overwhelming.

For our secondary school-aged Monican students, wellbeing plays a critical role in learning. Adolescence is a period of enormous growth and change. Our young people are developing their identities, building independence and managing increasing academic and social demands. At the same time, they are navigating friendships, co-curricular commitments and expectations about their future.

When students feel emotionally and physically well, they are more likely to attend school regularly, engage positively in class, take healthy risks in their learning and persevere when things become difficult. They are more able to focus, retain information and collaborate effectively with others. In contrast, heightened stress, poor sleep, anxiety or feelings of disconnection can significantly impact concentration, motivation and academic performance.

Staff wellbeing is equally important. Schools are vibrant and rewarding environments, but they can also be demanding places to work. Our teachers and support staff invest significant energy into supporting young people every day. When staff feel supported, valued and balanced, they are better able to foster positive relationships, create engaging learning experiences and respond effectively to the needs of students. A thriving school community depends on the wellbeing of everyone within it.

One of the greatest challenges facing families today is the reality that our children are growing up in a world that is constantly competing for their attention. Smartphones, social media, gaming, streaming services and endless online content are designed to capture and hold attention. While technology offers many benefits, it can also make it difficult for young people to find balance, rest and meaningful connection.

So how can families support the wellbeing of their secondary school-aged children?

Firstly, by prioritising connection. Teenagers may appear to crave independence, but they still need strong and supportive relationships with the adults in their lives. Small daily moments matter. Sharing a meal, driving to sport, walking the dog or simply checking in about their day can create valuable opportunities for conversation. Consistent connection helps young people feel safe, seen and supported.

Secondly, by encouraging healthy routines. Sleep, nutrition and physical activity remain some of the most powerful contributors to wellbeing. Adolescents need adequate sleep to support learning, emotional regulation and overall health, yet many struggle to achieve this because of busy schedules and screen use. Establishing regular routines and creating device-free periods, particularly before bedtime, can have a significant positive impact.

Thirdly, by helping young people develop healthy digital habits. Technology is an integral part of modern life, and the goal is not necessarily to eliminate screens but to promote balance. Families can model positive technology use by setting boundaries, encouraging offline activities and discussing the impact of social media openly and without judgement. Supporting young people to become mindful consumers of digital content helps them build lifelong skills in self-regulation and critical thinking.

It is equally important to encourage and support  involvement in activities that foster a sense of purpose and belonging. Whether through sport, music, drama, volunteering, cultural activities or hobbies, participation in meaningful pursuits strengthens confidence, resilience and social connection. These experiences remind young people that their value extends far beyond grades, likes or the number of followers.

By remembering that wellbeing is not about being happy or cheerful all the time, but rather it is about feeling equipped to engage in life with an optimistic outlook, designated times such as a Wellbeing Week provide further opportunities to connect us with others. Life naturally includes challenges, disappointments and periods of stress. Wellbeing is about developing the skills, relationships and supports needed to navigate those experiences successfully. Helping young people build resilience does not mean removing every obstacle from their path. Rather, it means walking alongside them as they learn to overcome difficulties.

As we mark Wellbeing Week, let us acknowledge that wellbeing is not a one-week initiative. It is an ongoing commitment that underpins learning, achievement and personal growth. By working together, schools and families can create environments where young people feel connected, capable and confident to meet the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly complex world.

When wellbeing is prioritised, students learn better, staff flourish, and communities grow stronger. That is a goal worth investing in every day of the year.

Miss P Di Maria 

Executive Deputy Principal