Year 12 Pastoral Guardian
Karen Farrow
Our graduating Year 12 students have reached the stage of being young adults with some already celebrating their 18th birthday. At this stage of development, making independent informed and positive choices about friends, relationships, social media and respecting self and others on this platform, responsible partying, safe, responsible and legal driving and conducting selves with dignity is a part of growing into adulthood. It is our role as parents to guide our children in knowing how to make these choices. Trust that you have provided a sound moral and ethical background to enable your child to make the right decisions and to continue to communicate with you as a mentor at this new stage of adulthood.
From my experience of being a parent of a young adult and now adult, I would encourage your young person to consider:
- communicating with you as parents about the details of the event or party. No matter how old, you are still your parents’ precious child.
- understanding that it is acceptable for parents to continue to set boundaries even at this age.
- being strong and sensible enough to say NO to getting into a car with someone who has been drinking.
- being confident in always making the right decisions regarding personal safety.
- having a back-up plan with an Uber, Sheba or taxi app to get home safely accompanied by a friend or arrange an emergency back up and pick up with your parents or siblings to help you.
- avoiding being caught out in making the wrong decision. We have all read about the tragic accidents in the last two months claiming too many young lives down south for speeding and reckless behaviour.
In Senior years Personal Development classes, students have explored issues and decision making around safe partying, alcohol and drugs through the Keeping Safe unit. This week’s SchoolTV has more valuable reading and viewing for parents and young adults about the topic of safe partying. Psychologist, Dr Michael Carr- Gregg presents an informative video about one rite of passage for a young person’s life being partying, yet the responsibility of parents to lead and guide their son or daughter into making good judgements. It is worth exploring whether you are hosting a party, or your young adult is attending one.
https://mta.qld.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-guide-safe-partying
After graduation, many Year 12s have made plans to attend Schoolies. My message to graduates is to look after your friends if you are partying and if you have a concern for the safety of your friends, please be responsible and look after them. If you are attending Schoolies, please be aware of the Red Frogs Australia organisation that is most visible at schoolies for young people to make sure they have a good time but get through the celebration week safely. Check out their website, hints, hotline and app.
https://redfrogs.com.au/programs/schoolies/info-for-school-leavers
In a few weeks, I look forward to celebrating our Graduation events with our students and families at this most important transition in life’s journey for our young people. I wish every one of our students a happy, safe and fulfilling future, reaching their dreams.
It has indeed been a joy accompanying the Year 12s on the past two years of their Senior journey.
Karen Farrow
Year 12 Pastoral Guardian