Students & Wellbeing

 Community connections

The start of the school year is always filled with anticipation, excitement and a healthy dose of nerves. And I am not just referring to the students!

As Week 3 ends, school life is starting to settle down after quite a lot of opening events. Already we have held:

• Year 7 Orientation and parent information night with Claire Eaton
• Year 12 Ball at Mandoon Estate
• Year 7 Camp 
• Year 12 Commissioning
• 2025 High Flyers Assembly

And we have only been back 12 school days.  

Pastoral Care Team

I would also like to remind everyone about some changes in the Pastoral Care team. As part of our constant review and search for improvement School Councillor Ebony Coldrey will be on site four days a week. Referrals can be sent to the appropriate Head of Year or Ms Sephton or myself. Also, Ms Molly Raynor is acting Head of Gandhi House for 2026. 

Phone pouches launched 

I would like to thank our Year 7 to 9 families for their support of the phone pouch initiative. Although still early in the year, the anecdotal feedback is all positive from our staff. I have received many reports of better focus in class and lively interactions during recess and lunch.

I would also like to introduce our new families, and remind our wider community, about SchoolTv. This is an interactive mental health and wellbeing resource that is available to all. The content is regularly updated and curated by renowned professionals in the field like Michael Carr-Grieg. Please take the time to review the site and what is available. It provides practical knowledge and support that could prove essential one day.

An example of what you can find on the site is given here:

School Transitions

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up. However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In the latest edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist children during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels. Access SchoolTV below:

Year 7 & 8 Parent Event

Looking ahead, on 18 March we will be holding the Year 7 and 8 Afternoon Tea and Chatter followed by a Parent Guest Speaker event. This is a chance for Year 7 and 8 families to meet all members of the Pastoral Care Team as well as hear from author Claire Eaton on “Handling Change, Challenges and Setbacks’’. After the success of Claire's Hello High School session during our Year 7 Parent Information Night, it is well worth saving the date for her return by popular demand. Our events team will send out booking information next week.

Mr Ian Thompson

Dean of Students & Wellbeing