Character and Connection Days
Martine Walls, Head of Character and Wellbeing
In Term 2, our students have been fortunate to participate in a range of incredible character-building activities and workshops.
The Year 7 Character Day
Our Year 7 Character Day focused on equipping our students with skills to foster healthy and respectful relationships, engage in discussions about gender stereotypes and consent, and learn strategies for navigating challenges effectively.
The workshop with SEED highlighted the importance of friendliness and respect. To finish the day, students took part in fun and engaging electives, such as dance, exposure to the fitness centre, arts and craft, and making friendship bracelets, which allowed them to demonstrate their learnings from the day.
Year 8 Character and Connection Day
YEAR 8 GIRLS: WORKSHOP WITH THE FLOURISH JOURNEY
During our recent Year 8 Character and Connection Day, our Year 8 girls participated in a workshop led by The Flourish Journey.
Throughout the workshop, students explored theories and strategies for managing their wellbeing. They engaged in activities centered around building connections and reflecting on their core values and strengths.
By the end of the workshop, students gained a deeper sense of self-awareness. When asked to summarise their experience, one student said, 'I learned what my values are and who I aspire to be'.
We are excited to build upon this foundation in our upcoming Character and Connection Days.
YEAR 8 BOYS: WORKSHOP WITH THE MAN CAVE
Alexander Moore, Year 8
The Year 8 boys were fortunate to attend a full-day program hosted by The Man Cave, Australia's leading mental health charity for teenage boys. Throughout the day, emotions ran high as we engaged in deep discussions that will stay with us for life.
We began with icebreakers that helped us connect with The Man Cave leaders and set a positive tone for the day. In groups, we engaged in discussions that strengthened our bonds and pushed us out of our comfort zones. The leaders of the Man Cave shared personal stories from their past, which connected us more deeply to them.
After our morning break, our discussions became more personal, stirring strong emotions within the group. One of the most challenging parts of the day was the 'check-in' process. It started with a few minutes of silence, prompting us to reflect on our current feelings. Then, we had the option to share our thoughts and emotions, which proved challenging for everyone. My most significant takeaway from this experience was learning to openly express our emotions. The Man Cave leaders were excellent in aiding us to do this, and I believe it will certainly benefit us in the future.
These included giving shout-outs to our classmates and sharing positive thoughts about each other. To wrap up the day, we played a game of dodgeball to add a final burst of energy.
The Man Cave made a profound impact on our year level and benefited us as young men. This experience will change the way we think about our lives. Speaking on behalf of the Year 8 boys, we are incredibly grateful for this opportunity as it has enriched us and helped us grow as individuals.
Year 9 workshops with Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman
Character and wellbeing is embedded into our Year 9 Impact Program.
At the beginning of the year, our Year 9 students took part in workshops facilitated by Tomorrow Man and Tomorrow Woman. These workshops seamlessly aligned with the cultural values articulated by the Year 9 cohort as important.
During these workshops, many students courageously shared their personal stories. As a teacher, it was deeply moving to see both the empathetic responses of their peers and the vulnerability of those who shared their experiences.
One of the students expressed how fortunate they felt to participate in these workshops, describing them as an immersive experience where every participant had the opportunity to grow and develop personally.
These workshops also perfectly complement our 'It's Everyone's Business' partnership with Monash University. Through this program, our students have gained valuable experience that has enhanced their ability to openly express their emotions.
Year 10 Rise Leadership Program
As part of Kilvington's Year 10 Rise Leadership Program, our students have been working with Flying Fox this semester.
Our partnership with Flying Fox aims to enrich students' leadership skills and deepen their understanding of disabilities and the importance of inclusion.
A highlight of this program is the upcoming Rise Camp, where our Year 10 students will have a special opportunity to apply their leadership skills and be a 'buddy' for someone with a disability. We are so excited to launch this unique and meaningful immersive opportunity.