Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

As we come to the end of the first term, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support and cooperation. It has been a joy to witness the growth and development of our students, both academically and personally, over the past few months. Parent and staff commitment to their education and wellbeing is truly commendable.

Some highlights included our Year 7 students who embarked on a memorable camp, building friendships and developing resilience. Similarly, our Year 8 students had a fantastic time at their camp, challenging themselves and creating lasting memories. We celebrated St Patrick's Day with great enthusiasm and joy, highlighting the student spirit within our school community. And of course, welcoming our new Year 7 students to the school who have now completed their first term!

Winter Uniform – Terms 2 and 3

Wearing the school uniform correctly is essential as it promotes a sense of unity and equality among students. It instils discipline and a sense of belonging to the school community. The uniform also reflects the school's values and traditions, creating a positive image both within and outside the school. By wearing the uniform with pride and in accordance with the school's guidelines, students demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, and the institution. It prepares them for future endeavors where, adhering to dress codes is crucial, instilling habits that are valuable beyond the school environment.

As we prepare for Term 2 please note the following:

• All students must wear long pants (shorts are only for summer terms)
• The spray jacket should only be used in wet weather and worn to and from school over the blazer
• Hair should be above the shirt collar, or tied back
• There should be no facial hair or piercings
• Senior students should never travel to school in PE uniform. Years 7 – 10 students can when they have PE lessons on that day.

With a strong tradition of fine men, the uniform is recognisable in the community, and we thank you for your cooperation to ensure the current generations of St Patrick's College students continue to give the uniform the respect it deserves.

School TV

This edition's topic for School TV is around supporting and understanding anxiety in our young people. Anxiety disorders can start early in childhood or adolescence. It may only have a moderate impact on a child’s ability to function in daily life and can therefore often remain undetected. If a child finds it extremely difficult to control their anxiety, then you should seek help or medical assistance.

In terms of what we see in school, anxieties often lead to students not fully participating in the life of the College. High school students grapple with various anxieties, often stemming from academic pressures, social dynamics and personal expectations. The fear of failure can be overwhelming, leading to stress about grades, College admissions and future careers. Social anxieties arise from navigating complex peer relationships, fitting in and fear of judgment. Body image concerns also play a significant role, as adolescents compare themselves to societal ideals. These anxieties can impact mental health, leading to depression, low self-esteem, and even substance abuse. School environments and expectations can exacerbate these anxieties, highlighting the need for supportive communities, mental health resources, and coping strategies for students.

Navigating these issues can be challenging as a parent. Below is a link to some resources including short videos explaining the signs and symptoms, and what parents can do to manage their child’s anxiety. Of course, if you want to talk further or think your son needs some support, we have a full team of student counsellors that may be able to assist.

Youth Anxiety | St Patrick's College - Ballarat (schooltv.me)