Student Wellbeing

Exciting news

If we haven’t met yet, my name is Georgia, and I am the Junior School Counsellor. I have had the privilege of working at Emmaus for the past three years, and it has been an absolute joy to support our wonderful students and partner with such a dedicated and caring team. Being part of this community has been incredibly meaningful, and I am grateful for the trust families place in our wellbeing work.

I’m delighted to share some personal news. My husband and I are expecting a baby girl in May. I will be commencing maternity leave at the beginning of Term 2. While I am away, the Junior School will be wonderfully supported by two experienced and compassionate Counsellors, Mel Bachelor and Jarrad Bigg. Both bring a strong background in student wellbeing, along with a genuine heart for supporting children and families. I feel very confident that our students will continue to be well cared for in their capable hands.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. It has been a privilege to walk alongside your children, and I look forward to reconnecting with our Emmaus community when I return from leave.

Growing self‑worth in today’s world

I wanted to share a theme that has been coming up often in the counselling space recently: self‑worth. Many students (and adults!) are asking, “How do I build my self‑worth in a world filled with social pressure, comparison, and constant noise?” It’s an important question, and one that deserves gentle reflection.

One of the most foundational ways to build a healthy sense of self‑worth is by knowing who you are. Understanding what makes you unique. Your values, strengths, beliefs, personality traits, passions, and even quirks create a strong internal foundation.

For many young people, identity is heavily shaped by external influences: friends, social media, expectations, and cultural norms. This can make it hard to recognise your true self. That’s why it’s valuable to pause and ask:

• What are my values?
• What do I believe in?
• What strengths or qualities do I bring into the world?

• What makes me feel most like myself?

   

When self‑worth is built on truth rather than comparison or others’ opinions, it becomes far more stable and meaningful.

Our worth comes from God

As a Christian community, we are also blessed with a deeper truth: our worth is rooted in who God says we are. The Bible speaks time and time again about our identity, reminding us that we are loved, chosen, and created with purpose. In fact, Scripture affirms our identity in at least 40 different ways.

Here are just a few:

• Beloved and chosen – you are God’s treasured possession, dearly loved and chosen before the creation of the world.
• A New Creation – in Christ, you are made new; your old life is gone.
• Child of God – you are adopted into God’s family.
• Forgiven and free – you are redeemed and no longer under condemnation.
• Fearfully and wonderfully made – God created you with intention and care.
• God’s handiwork and masterpiece – you were created with purpose for good works.
• Righteous and holy – through Christ, you are made righteous and set apart.
• A friend of Jesus – you are welcomed into relationship, not just servanthood.
• More than a conqueror – through His love, you are empowered to overcome.

These truths remind us that our worth is not earned, it is given. It is steady, unchanging, and deeply rooted in God’s love for us.

Supporting your children

At school, we continue to encourage students to understand their identity, recognise their strengths, and see themselves through God’s eyes. When your child knows who they are and whose they are they become more confident, resilient, and grounded in their sense of worth.

All the best, 

Georgia Akiki

Junior School Counsellor