Pastoral Care

Thank you all for the support you have shown this year in your daughter’s holistic development. From the everyday conversations you have with your daughters to the communication with teachers to guide their progress, it truly has been a team effort. We have seen significant growth this year in the girls checking in with teachers, asking for feedback and acting on that feedback. There has been a strong sense of accountability for student learning. Students have also learned to manage assessment blocks and the stress that can come with these periods. Developing a growth mindset – focusing on ways to improve rather than thinking negatively – is a valuable resilience skill that has been clearly evident.

Students have also engaged with a range of external organisations to support their wellbeing. These included learning about driver safety through bstreetsmart and risk-taking behaviours and the dangers of drugs and alcohol through Paul Dillon. They also participated in sessions on body image with the Butterfly Foundation and sun safety with Anne Gately. All of these experiences were designed to help students navigate important aspects of their overall wellbeing.

I would also like to sincerely thank our Student Representative Council and Student Leadership Team for their outstanding efforts in gathering ideas and recommendations from their peers and taking meaningful action to implement positive changes across the College. Their commitment to creating opportunities and running initiatives that strengthen our sense of belonging has had a significant impact on our school community.

For those students who are not currently in these leadership roles, I encourage all girls to consider nominating in the future and to reflect on how they can demonstrate leadership in their everyday lives through their actions, attitudes and support of others.

Supporting your daughter over the holidays 

The holidays are a well deserved period for rest and relaxation after a very busy year of learning, assessments, co-curricular activities and social interactions. Yet, as we head into the holiday break, it’s important to remember that while this time offers rest and freedom from routine, it can also bring changes that are challenging with that lack of routine. School routines can be familiar and predictable, whereas holidays can be unstructured. Isolation from peers, anxiety over the unpredictable days and differences in sleep routines, screen use and instability can be a challenge for some in their mental and emotional wellbeing. 

With a little awareness and gentle support, families can help make the holidays a positive and restorative time:

1. Maintain some routine

   While holidays should feel relaxing, a predictable rhythm helps young people feel grounded. Encourage regular sleep, balanced screen time and a few consistent daily habits. This creates stability without taking away the joy of a break.

2. Prioritise connection

   Quality time—whether it’s a walk, a board game or cooking together—strengthens your daughter’s sense of belonging. Even brief moments of genuine connection can make a meaningful difference. With the social media ban, you should be discussing the impact of this on their mental wellbeing; but it also should provide a great opportunity for in-person connection. 

3. Encourage healthy social interaction

   Friendships are important, but social pressure can also be draining. Help your daughter find a balance: time with friends as well as time to decompress.

4. Promote rest and enjoyment

   Holidays are a chance to recharge. Encourage activities that fill her cup—reading, sport, art, nature or simply relaxing. Rest is a vital part of mental health.

5. Be present and available

   Keep communication open. Some young people talk freely; others share in small moments. Let your daughter know you’re there to listen without judgement. Not every moment needs a solution—often, being heard is enough.

6. Look out for signs she may need extra support

   Changes in sleep, appetite, mood or energy can be signs your daughter is struggling. If you’re concerned, reach out early. Your GP, local support services and online/phone services are valuable sources of guidance.

We hope your daughter has a restful break and is ready to return refreshed and motivated for her new academic year in 2026.

Sarah Charles

Director of Pastoral Care