Year 8 Pastoral Guardian
Jeni Barlow
This time next week, Year 8 students will be halfway through their outdoor education experience, a truly authentic opportunity to grow in courage, independence, collaborative skills and self-confidence. Let’s pray for the weather to be kind.
This year’s adventures build upon the learning and connections made during Year 7 camp. With the understanding young people at this stage in their life seek to grow in independence – and freedom – from adults and teachers alike, yet still need support and positive influences to thrive, the camp theme of ‘Steps’ acknowledges and celebrates this significant developmental phase of their lives. Therefore, over the three days, students will be encouraged to reflect upon who they are, and who they aspire to be by “stepping up to take on challenges, stepping back to allow others to lead, and stepping sideways out of a challenge and acknowledge the limit of their comfort zone” (Adventure Alternatives). The teachers who are accompanying your child over the three days are very excited about witnessing this expansion of skills, and we certainly hope you see evidence of growth in your child upon returning from camp.
For some students, they may be feeling nervous about leaving home, or missing out on their creature comforts. This is normal and okay, but certainly not a reason to withdraw from camp. As parents, it is so important that you assure your child that this experience is a valuable steppingstone to her becoming her best self, and that you have every confidence in her that she will rise to – and exceed - your hopes and expectations.
On a completely different topic, but just as important when considering how to help our young people to thrive is the importance of a healthy diet during adolescence. In Home Room this week, students have been challenged to be more intentional about their snack choices, after viewing the Unlocking Personal Potential Healthy Habits message.
Just as stress, emotional or comfort eating is a proven phenomenon, it is also well known that a well-balanced diet is essential for optimal physical health. However, nutritionists and mental health clinicians through their research are beginning to find very strong correlations between diet and mental health. Felice Jacka, a leading researcher exploring the link between nutrition and common mental health disorders from Deakin University, confirms eating a good quality, healthy diet, like the Mediterranean Diet, can be “protective and can reduce the chances of developing a mental disorder.” Given that half of all mental health problems develop by the age of 14, (WHO) and that adolescence is where lifelong eating habits are often established, now is the time to educate and to model to our young people the necessity for harnessing healthy eating habits. To learn more about the connection between food and mood, I highly recommend the excellent videos on Diet & Nutrition | Mount Alvernia College (schooltv.me).
So, please ask your child what healthy habit they commit to during Home Room and what foods would they like to include more regularly in their diet. Afterall, good quality food nourishes the body, mind, soul and spirit.
Jeni Barlow
Year 8 Pastoral Guardian.