Wellbeing - Senior School

Last Friday our College community gathered to mark International Women’s Day, officially celebrated on Sunday 8 March. The occasion allowed us to honour the women who have shaped our lives and opened pathways for future generations. While introducing the items prepared for the Assembly, I noted that many of us stand on the shoulders of strong females - grandmothers, mothers, sisters, teachers, mentors - whose courage continues to guide us. I reflected on how fortunate I was that my mother recognised my aspirations when I was younger, encouraging me to achieve my goals and how she often made sacrifices. Now, as a father of two daughters, I am personally grateful for the opportunities available to them because of the determination and sacrifice of countless women who came before.

Despite our College leaders being absent due to the Year 12 Assessment Block, they also acknowledged the occasion, liaising with their peers from Santa Sabina College to share their reflections in a video presentation. 

We welcomed our special guest, Andi Tinai, a refugee from Fiji, former international footballer, and an advocate for women’s rights. Andi has contributed to significant tertiary work on gender justice both locally and globally. 

Her anecdotes were a stark reminder of the resilience found in shared stories and experiences that many women and girls have encountered, acting as a powerful catalyst for the activities undertaken in the respective Pastoral Care Lessons that followed the Assembly.

Pulse Surveys

Please note that the boys across the College will have the opportunity later this week to participate in the first of several wellbeing pulse surveys scheduled in 2026, focusing on questions relating to their present physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. The aim of the survey is to gather feedback on how the boys are feeling as we approach the latter part of Term 1. 

The year coordinators, counsellors, Mr Sinadinos and I will disseminate and filter the responses provided by the boys so we can then support your son if he identifies that he is experiencing challenges in different aspects of the three dimensions. 

Your son may be contacted by their year coordinator or counsellor prior to the end of Term 1 for an informal check-up or to offer support when he returns in Term 2; this will be based on initial feedback. Further communication with parents/carers, if required, will occur after staff have had an opportunity to process all the data. 

You are encouraged to ask your son/s about their responses in the pulse survey over the upcoming weeks. We take this opportunity to thank the boys for their participation in the initiative as we continue to support their wellbeing at the College. 

Robert Simpson

Director of Senior School