Student Wellbeing News

And just like that, holidays have arrived!!!! Spring is in full bloom; the sun is shining and the days are getting longer; it truly is a beautiful time of year. Spring is a transition period, a time for growth and development. We associate it with rejuvenation, birth and hope for the future.  A time of brightness after the cold harshness of winter.

Earlier this term I was fortunate enough to complete professional development so that I could facilitate the “Seasons for Growth” program. Using the ever-changing seasons as an analogy combining psychology and education with peer support, it uses the metaphor of the 4 seasons to explore the cyclic nature of change, grief, loss and bereavement. We are continually changing and adapting to the world around us; becoming more resilient.

Delivered in small groups (4-7 participants) over a series of sessions this evidence-based, early intervention program strengthens the emotional wellbeing of children and young people who are living with changes in their life. Many factors can cause change such as:

• Changes to peer groups as friends come and go

• Loss of someone or something you love

• Breakdown of the family unit as parents and families separate

• Moving to a new place or location, leaving everything familiar behind

• Impact of illness on the individual or family member

• Family work-life changes

Change affects everyone differently, as does grief. It’s the impact of the change, not the event itself

that “Seasons for Growth” focuses on; exploring the impact of change and loss on every-day life as well as learning new ways to respond to these changes. 

It is recommended however that anyone who is affected by bereavement wait at least 6-12 months before participating in a Seasons for Growth program.

If you would like further information regarding the program or feel that it would be suitable for your child please reach out to their pastoral leader or contact me directly on hones@ww.catholic.edu.au

Thank you to everyone who supported the recent R U OK Day cake/ bake stall. An amazing $413:85 was raised and will be donated to headspace Griffith so they can continue providing youth engagement programs within the local community. A special mention to the wellbeing committee for volunteering and providing the baked goods during what was a busy time leading up to their preliminary exams.

headspace Griffith have some great programs and initiative happening during the holidays and will be partnering with the wellbeing committee in term 4 for further activities here at MCC.

Finally, I would like to farewell the current year 12 students and wish them the very best for their upcoming HSC exams. Whilst this is a significant time in their life, they are just starting the next chapter in their life journey; the best is yet to come!!! I hope wherever their pathway in life takes them, they find a path that is filled with sunshine, happiness and joy.

Happy holidays everyone, stay safe and take the time to practice some selfcare.

Regards Sue Hone

(Student Wellbeing Support Officer)