In the Know

Character Program 

Martine Walls, Head of Character and Wellbeing 

Character and Wellbeing

Kilvington has long been committed to the character building and wellbeing space. In fact, we were one of the first schools in Australia, if not the first, to build a comprehensive learning framework from ELC to Year 12 that explicitly teaches character.

 

This year, we announced a new initiative as part of Kilvington’s Character and Wellbeing strategy - The Character Development Team. This remarkable team is made up of passionate and dedicated staff across the School who have volunteered their time to make a real difference to the wellbeing of students and staff.  I look forward to sharing our journey with the School community as it evolves. 

Character and Connection Days

At Kilvington, we recognise the importance of intentionally connecting students as a cohort. We understand their wellbeing increases when they feel connected to their peers and community. We are committed to student wellbeing and character development and we give four days per year level to explicitly teach how students can reflect on themselves as people. 

 

I am very excited to share the 2024 Senior School Character and Connection Day Framework, attached below.

The Character and Connection Days closely align with Kilvington’s key values and aim for students to: 

  • Make meaningful connections, practice compassion, and collaborate.
  • Develop respect for self, each other, the environment, and the community.
  • Realise personal potential and spark curiosity. 
  • Expand perspectives on how to positively contribute to the world. 

Giving students the opportunity to have time away from academic pressures to improve their overall wellbeing and mental health will in turn help students to become more committed to their academic journey.

 

A major part of developing student character is the act of doing for others, so this program will also incorporate a link to community service. 

Each year level will have a theme highlighting the priority virtues within a sequential program, and we will be linking with a number of external organisations to implement this. 

 

CHARACTER DAY STUDENT REFLECTIONS

Here are some reflections from students on their experience of the Year 7 and Year 8 Character and Connection Days. 

 

Year 7 - Making Connections and Self-Awareness 

 

Eva Michelini, Year 7  

The Year 7 Character Day was a fun day where I had the chance to learn new things and better get to know a lot of the new school kids.  

 

A key message I took away from the day was that it’s important to treat people the way you want to be treated within a relationship.

 

From the toolbox workshop, I learnt that I should always take a break if I feel worked up. I should relax my muscles and remember to breathe during stressful situations.  

 

Sophie Lentine, Year 7

I enjoyed the activities because they made me think more deeply about myself and learn how to calm myself down. One highlight for me was the teambuilding initiatives at the park, as it gave me the opportunity to meet new people and collaborate within a team.

 

Year 8 - Caring for Self and Others Focusing on Compassion and Care

 

Rowen Perera, Year 8 

I thought the Year 8 Character Day was relevant, engaging and unique. I learnt about the 'mental movies' playing inside my mind and how they are categorised. I was also given tools to deal with these thoughts, which is so useful for my mental health. 

During the compassion activities, I came to realise that compassion is easier to practise than I thought and I can really help someone who is struggling. I learnt a lot about the teachers too … like that Ms Valentine likes roller derby! I now know that I need to care for myself before I can care of others. 

 

I participated in the creative self-care elective and practised knitting which was really fun! I enjoyed the Character Day and liked connecting with my friends.

 

Year 10 - Rise Program: Leadership and Disability 

Well done to the Year 10s for their participation in the Rise Program:Leadership and Disability Character Day. This program aims to teach students to realise their potential, be their best self, rise to empower others and rise to lead. 

 

As part of this program, we partnered with Flying Fox, a youth-led organisation that provides fun and social opportunities and camps for young people with disability.  

Students also participated in a personal development workshop with Tomorrow Woman and Tomorrow Man. These workshops involved empowering students to use their voice, understand their impact, challenge unrealistic expectations and stereotypes, and build emotional muscle. 

The exciting Rise Program will continue throughout the year. It will prepare students for the application process for Kilvington leadership roles and conclude with an immersive camp or excursion experience with students with disability. 

 

We look forward to continuing to develop and enhance the character of our wonderful student body this year!