Wellbeing at Berwick

It has been a big term for wellbeing at Berwick College, with a strong focus on connection, belonging, positive relationships and giving back to our community. Across the term, students have had opportunities to build connections, learn about culture, support one another and develop strategies to look after their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others.  

Breakfast Club 

Our Breakfast Club continues to be a wonderful way to start Thursdays at Berwick College. A huge thank you to the Church and Travis Tuck for generously providing hot toasties for our students each week. 

Breakfast Club provides students with a welcoming space to connect with friends, enjoy a warm breakfast and begin the school day feeling supported and ready to learn.  

Koorie Day Out 

Our Koorie students and others from the Casey North region came together for a fantastic Koorie Day Out at Timbarra P-9 College. Students had the opportunity to learn more about culture, strengthen connections with one another and engage with community. Days like this are an important opportunity for our students to celebrate culture, build a strong sense of belonging and develop connections.   

Weethunga Health – Supporting Our Koorie Girls 

We were also fortunate to welcome Weethunga Health into our wellbeing space to work with our Koorie girls. The session provided a safe and supportive environment for students to connect, yarn and explore their wellbeing. We are grateful for the ongoing support of community organisations that help strengthen the cultural and wellbeing supports available to our students.  

R U OK? Day 

R U OK? Day was a great reminder that meaningful conversations can make a big difference. Throughout the day, students and staff were encouraged to check in with one another, ask “Are you OK?” and take the time to genuinely listen.  A special thank you to Meaghan Whitfort for organising R U OK? cupcakes to brighten the day for both students and staff. The cupcakes were a small gesture that helped spread a little kindness and connection throughout the College.  

Bullying No Way 

As part of Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, our Homegroup classes explored what it means to prevent and respond to bullying. Students participated in activities focused on respectful relationships, standing up for others and considering the role we all play in creating a safe and inclusive school community.  Students also worked collaboratively to create artwork around the theme “Small Acts, Big Impacts”, highlighting how even small acts of kindness, inclusion and support can make a significant difference to someone else’s day.  

Giving Back to Our Community 

Our Homegroup classes have also been learning about the importance of caring for our environment and giving back to our school community. Students explored simple actions that can make a difference, including putting rubbish in the bin, looking after shared spaces and taking responsibility for keeping our school grounds clean.  It has been wonderful to see students working together to make a positive impact on the environment they share every day. Picking up the rubbish around our yard makes a big difference in caring for Bunurong Country, including the wildlife, as well as helping students feel safe and proud while at school.  

Boys Mentoring  

Our boys’ mentoring program has continued to focus on developing positive strategies for managing emotions, building confidence and strengthening relationships. Travis Tuck has been working with our boys to explore how exercise and physical activity can support emotional regulation and overall wellbeing.  Students have also had the opportunity to visit a local gym, providing them with a positive environment to exercise, connect with others and learn practical strategies they can use to support their wellbeing.  

Looking After One Another 

Across all of these initiatives, one message has remained consistent: wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility. Whether it is sharing breakfast with a friend, connecting through culture, checking in with someone, standing up against bullying, caring for our environment or using exercise as a way to regulate, the small things we do each day can have a big impact.  

Thank you to our students, staff, community organisations and families who continue to contribute to a culture of belonging, community and wellbeing at Berwick College. 

Stephanie Swain

Learning Leader - Wellbeing