Pastoral Care
- Transitioning to High School
- 'Smashed' Year 9 incursion
- Peer Mentoring Rock Climbing Activity
- Mental health and the holidays
- Year 7 Study Skills Evening 2025 - Date Claimer
Transitioning to High School
Transitioning into high school may be challenging. Last week, a few of our current Year 7 students volunteered to ease the minds of Year 6 students by answering some questions about moving into Year 7. The questions were well thought-out and the answers were thorough and informative.
There are also external webinars and information available to all who are transitioning to Year 7 next year. Please see the link for more information.
https://greenarrow.health.nsw.gov.au/ga/webviews/2-0-2504-25080-0-19b304e928
'Smashed' Year 9 incursion
by Charles Li - Year 9 student
The SMASHED PROJECT performance was a highly engaging and exhilarating experience regarding the main theme of underage alcohol use. The play instantly kicked off into a roaring start, introducing the three main characters efficiently and diving into a captivating and humorous story, following the characters choosing illegal decisions of alcohol use and enduring the effects that resulted.
The play was perfectly wrapped up in an interesting ending while frightening us on the possible consequences of underage alcohol use.
Throughout the performance, the actors ensured we were well involved and focused on the events that were occurring by providing quizzes, asking for suggestions and a reflective worksheet following the show.
Overall, the Smashed Project play regarding underage use of alcohol, peer pressuring and negative decisions constructed a solid reminder for us Year 9 students on the effects of drinking alcohol underage, how to prevent drinking and how to report peers in risk of injury or death due to drinking. The students of Year 9 cohort greatly appreciated the impactful performance.
Parents may wish to view the attached website for further information:
www.smashedproject.com.au/parents/
Peer Mentor Rock Climbing Activity
By Lachlan Staber - College Vice Captain and Peer Mentor
Last Friday, the peer mentoring program went rock climbing at Climb Fit, St Leonards, providing an excellent opportunity to strengthen the bonds between our senior and junior students. The activity encouraged teamwork and trust, as students supported one another in overcoming the climbing challenges. It was a unique opportunity for younger students to connect with their mentors in a fun and active environment, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Special mention to Emilio Calcarao for achieving the fastest speed climb time, adding an element of friendly competition to the day.
Events like these highlight the value of peer mentoring, allowing students to build meaningful relationships and develop confidence. The afternoon was not only enjoyable but also a great reminder of the importance of collaboration and encouragement within our school community.
Mental health and the holidays
The holidays can be a fantastic time for some, although for others it can be lonely.
The Black Dog Institute has created an app for students who are suffering and don’t have access to counselling. I encourage students and parents to download the FREE app.
Who is ClearlyMe® for?
ClearlyMe® is an app designed for teens aged 12-17 who are experiencing depressive symptoms, psychological distress or in other words, going through a tough time. Although this doesn’t replace professional intervention with a psychologist, it can be useful whilst waiting to see one or if symptoms are just emerging.
What is a tough time?
Depression can be more than just feeling low or sad. It could mean that we are feeling stressed, worried, anxious or overwhelmed. Other times, it could be that we struggle to get out of bed in the morning, and we don’t know why.
It is normal to go through tough times, and usually, they can pass on their own. But sometimes, they stay for a little while longer. And it can be hard to explain this feeling to others, leaving us feeling alone or even unseen.
ClearlyMe can help you to:
- think and feel better when you’re going through a tough time
- be the best version of yourself and get the most out of school and life
- get to know yourself through your thoughts, feelings and actions
- feel less alone and know help is available, if you need it
ClearlyMe® for Teens - Black Dog Institute | Better Mental Health
Other useful resources for young people to be aware of for the upcoming break:
Free, confidential online counselling is available via Headspace https://headspace.org.au/ and Kids Helpline https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling
If you are worried about yourself or a friend there is always help available.
Year 7 Study Skills Evening 2025 - Date Claimer
Year 7 2025 parents and students, book the date in your calendar now for Thursday 6 March 2025 for the 2025 Study Skills Evening.
Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services presents a very informative evening on areas such as managing homework and assignments, how to be organised for school and home and working and studying effectively in high school.
Mr Martin Gillogly - Assistant Principal, Pastoral Care