Wellbeing

IDAHOBIT Day

On Monday 19 May, the Wellbeing Team hosted a vibrant rainbow cupcake competition in celebration of IDAHOBIT Day (May 17), which stands for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. This day serves to raise awareness and support for LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

The competition was a colourful success, with the table overflowing with creative and delicious entries. Congratulations to our winners and a big thank you to everyone who participated! All funds raised from the event were donated to Minus18, an organisation that champions LGBTQIA+ youth across Australia.

Scarlett L

Year 11

Special Report: Shaping Healthy Masculinity

In today's fast-moving world, many boys are struggling to find direction. Even well-meaning online searches about fitness, confidence or relationships can lead them to content that promotes rigid or unhealthy ideas about masculinity. The critically acclaimed TV show 'Adolescence' has brought fresh attention to this issue, highlighting how boys are often exposed to messages that glorify toughness and dominance, while dismissing empathy and emotional openness.

These outdated beliefs can limit emotional growth and impact how boys relate to others - with real consequences in schools, homes and communities. That's why it's more important than ever to guide boys with care, clarity and connection.

By offering healthier role models, safe spaces to talk, and encouraging respectful friendships - especially across genders - we can help boys develop the confidence, empathy and relationship skills they need to thrive.

This special report calls for a cultural shift and advocates for curiosity-driven dialogue that builds trust and critical thinking. The goal is to raise boys who are not just resistant to harmful influences, but actively capable of questioning and rejecting them. 

Special Report: Gender Diversity

In today's world, many young people are exploring who they are - not just in terms of career aspirations or friendships, but also how they understand themselves, including their gender identity. For some, this journey is straightforward. For others, it can involve questioning, rethinking, or expressing gender in ways that may not align with traditional expectations.

As a parent or caregiver, it's completely natural to feel uncertain or even overwhelmed at times. You might have questions, concerns, or simply want to better understand how to respond in a way that's helpful and affirming. The important thing to know is that gender diversity is not new - but our awareness and understanding of it is growing. It means recognising that not everyone experiences gender in the same way. While many young people feel comfortable with the gender they were assigned at birth, others may experience or express their gender in ways that feel different to what's traditionally expected.

Supporting a gender-diverse child doesn't require you to be an expert - it requires you to be present, open-minded, and willing to listen. Research shows that young people who feel accepted and supported by their families have significantly better mental health outcomes, regardless of where they are in their gender journey.

Mrs Jaynie Gorander

Psychologist/Student Counsellor