Wellbeing

Mary MacKillop College Wellbeing: Embedding Resilience and Growth Through the Josephite Charism

At Mary MacKillop College, we are steadfast in our commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of our students, staff, and community. At the heart of our approach is the Josephite charism, which inspires our mission and guides our day-to-day practices. One of Mary MacKillop’s most well-known quotes, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” resonates deeply in our efforts to build a culture of care, resilience, and positive mental health within the College.

These words are not just a reminder of Mary’s legacy but a call to action. As educators and staff working within the Josephite tradition, we are grounded in a mission that emphasises practical compassion and living with a Josephite heart. This ethos underpins every aspect of our school’s wellbeing systems and initiatives, ensuring that each individual feels seen, valued, and supported.

Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support

In 2024, we made significant progress in embedding wellbeing systems across the College, with a focus on creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all. Our Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) has been pivotal in this process. This framework follows a multi-tiered continuum of intervention, ensuring that every student’s needs are addressed appropriately. Adapted from the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) Intervention Framework, the PBS model encompasses three levels of support:

• Tier 3: Intensive – Tailored interventions for students requiring more personalised support.
• Tier 2: Targeted – Support for small groups of students with specific needs.
• Tier 1: Universal – Whole-school strategies and initiatives that benefit all members of the community.

This approach allows us to be proactive and responsive, ensuring that every student receives the right level of support to thrive both academically and emotionally.

The Resilience Project: Building Emotional Strength

In 2024, the College took a further step forward with the implementation of The Resilience Project (TRP). This initiative, which focuses on building emotional resilience and wellbeing, was delivered through engaging and evidence-based programs. The Resilience Project offered practical mental health strategies, fostering skills in Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness—all essential components of emotional wellbeing.

Through various avenues such as presentations, the school curriculum, and Wellbeing Journals, we shared with students and staff the benefits of these practices and provided easy-to-apply strategies for everyday life. Students learned how to focus on what they are grateful for, develop empathy towards others, and use mindfulness techniques to manage stress and enhance their emotional resilience.

Building Foundations for Positive Mental Health

In addition to the core principles of the Resilience Project, we continued to prioritise Emotional Literacy, Connection, and Health education, recognising their vital role in promoting positive mental health. By integrating these concepts into our school activities, we empower students to understand and express their emotions, build strong relationships, and take care of their physical wellbeing—all of which are foundational for long-term happiness and mental wellness.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue this journey of growth and development. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with families and the wider community to ensure the best possible outcomes for student wellbeing. Together, we will continue to nurture the minds and hearts of our students, guided by the spirit of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods.

As we move forward, we remain committed to living out the Josephite charism in every aspect of our work. Just as Mary MacKillop once said, we will never see a need without doing something about it. Through our collective efforts, we are helping our students grow into resilient, compassionate, and mindful individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.

John Ryan