Student Wellbeing
Guidance for a Successful New School Year
Our students begin their Flying Start Program on Monday 25 November, marking the commencement for the 2025 school year.
Starting a new school year can bring a mix of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes even a little anxiety. Whether you’re entering secondary school for the first time or moving into a new year level, the Wellbeing Team is here to support you make the most of your time at the College.
Here are some key tips for getting this school year off to a great start:
Set Realistic Goals
Begin by setting small, achievable goals that give you something positive to work toward. Academic goals like completing assignments on time, or personal goals such as joining a new club can give you a sense of accomplishment and make school more rewarding.
Create a Consistent Routine
Routine helps reduce stress and makes it easier to focus on your schoolwork. Aim for a regular sleep schedule and a consistent morning routine that allows you time to get ready and arrive at school without feeling rushed. Managing time for homework, extracurricular activities and relaxation will also make each day smoother and more balanced.
Build Healthy Relationships
Forming good relationships with teachers, peers and school support staff is essential for a positive school experience. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to your new teachers and classmates and remember that its normal to feel a little anxious when meeting new people; take small steps like a friendly “hello” to build connections. Homeroom or Tutor Group teachers and Year Level or House Coordinators are key staff members that are there to support you whenever you need it.
Focus on a Growth Mindset
Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn. A growth mindset (believing that you can improve through effort and practice) helps us view mistakes as part of the learning process. When we focus on growth rather than perfection, we become more resilient and adaptable.
Practice Self-Care
Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Exercise, hobbies, spending time with friends, and getting outside are all great ways to take care of your mental health. Using the gratitude, empathy and mindfulness techniques learned in the once per cycle wellbeing periods, can also be really helpful in this area. Remember, a healthy mind and body work together to help you perform your best.
Reach Out When You Need Support
Secondary school can be challenging, and it’s normal to experience moments of stress. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, know that there are many people at the College to support you – such as friends, teachers, homeroom or tutor group teachers and coordinators.
If you feel that you could benefit from more formal and professional support, consider getting in contact with our College Counselling Team.
Referrals can be made via parents or College staff, simply by emailing us at
counselling@stbedes.catholic.edu.auor just dropping into the our offices to speak to a counsellor in person.
Our offices are located next the College Chapel and Garden of Reflection at our Mentone Campus and at our Bentleigh East Campus, next to our Technology classroom.
Starting a new school year is an exciting opportunity to learn, grow and make memories. Let’s work together to make this upcoming school year the very best it can be. Wishing you all a year filled with achievement, friendship and fun!
Scott Cadby PACFA Reg. Clinical (21605)
Psychotherapist
BA (Psych) MPsychotherapyCouns
Free Immunisations
The Department of Health offers free vaccines provided by theNational Immunisation Programeach year to students in Year 7 and Year 10 in Term 4.
- Year 7 students can get their free immunisation for HPV and Diphtheria/Tetanus/ Whooping Cough.
- Year 10 students can receive their free immunisation for Meningococcal ACWY.
If your child missed out on vaccinations at school this year, it's not too late to get vaccinated. Free adolescent vaccines can be accessed at your local council immunisation service, GP or pharmacist immuniser.
You can check your child’s immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register via your MyGov account. Children over 14 years of age can access their own immunisation history via MyGov.
Social Media Safety
Social Media is an important tool to help students stay connected, communicate and express themselves. To help students have positive and safe online experiences, the Victorian Government has provided information about online safety and advice about what to do if anything goes wrong.
How secondary students can have a healthy relationship with social media, recognise online exploitation and what to do if something goes wrong online.
Helps parents and carers support their child to be safe online, recognise signs they need help and know what to do if they have an unsafe online experience.
The responsible use of Digital Technologies for schools is to engage with digital technologies in a safe and responsible manner, ensuring cybersafety and supporting student learning.