Pastoral Care & Wellbeing

Welcome back to Term 3! With the new semester, there's so much to anticipate in the weeks ahead. I hope each student approaches the opportunities with enthusiasm and determination, ready to embrace the learning and programs to come. St. Patrick’s College is proud of our pastoral program, and we're thrilled to begin the term with two important wellbeing events.

Brainstorm Productions

On Monday July 22, all Year 7 and 8 students will watch a performance from Brainstorm Productions called “Sticks & Stones”. Brainstorm Productions is an educational theatre company that creates performances for schools to address social and emotional issues. This year's production "Sticks & Stones" focuses on teaching students about the impact of bullying, cyberbullying, and harassment. 

Through engaging storytelling and relatable characters, the performance highlights the importance of empathy, respect, and responsible online behaviour. It encourages students to stand up against bullying, support one another, and create a positive and inclusive school environment. "Sticks & Stones" aims to empower students with the tools and knowledge to make thoughtful and compassionate choices in their interactions.

Tomorrow Man Workshop

On Wednesday July 31, all Year 10 students will participate in the second of three Tomorrow Man Workshop modules. The Tomorrow Man program is an initiative focused on redefining masculinity and promoting healthy, positive male behaviours. It encourages men and boys to break free from harmful stereotypes and embrace a more authentic and emotionally aware version of themselves.

In Module 2: The History of Masculinity, our students will explore the evolution of masculine norms and behaviours over time. This module teaches about the historical context of masculinity, examining how societal expectations and cultural influences have shaped what it means to be a man. Students will learn to critically assess these norms, understand their impact on contemporary male behaviour, and discover healthier ways to express their identity.

School TV: Bullying

In Week 5 (July 12 – 16), we will participate in the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action as a united student body. Our Student Congress is currently planning activities for this week to showcase our inclusive values and educate our boys on this important issue. 

We anticipate that some of our older students will visit younger year level homerooms for peer discussions and give advice on navigating the difficulties of peer conflict. Bullying can take many forms, and navigating peer interactions can be challenging for parents as well. 

At St Patrick’s College, we have zero tolerance for such behaviours. Through our programs, we aim to educate and instil values of kindness, inclusivity, and care in our boys.

Research demonstrates bullying has far-reaching damaging impacts on a child's self-esteem, self-worth, resilience and academic success which can carry right through to their adult life. Bullying is a repeated and targeted behaviour, and it also relates to how it makes a young person feel as a result of such behaviour. 

As parent, it is important to understand what is happening before concluding that it is bullying. Online bullying can have a much greater impact and be far more difficult to deal with. Online bullies can engage in inappropriate behaviours 24/7 and invade a young person's home environment where they should feel safe.

If you would like more support in this space as a parent, please click on the link to more information and recommendations for parents in this space.

SPC Counselling: Everything you need to know

During my time at high school, some 10+ years ago, school wellbeing consisted of a singular school chaplain/ wellbeing officer that was shrouded in mystery. Who was this person? Why did students go to see him? What is the point of seeing him? 

These questions were never truly answered as the service he provided was not spoken about publicly nor offered to students outside of whispered conversations behind closed doors. I often speak to parents who express similar sentiments and experiences! 

Things have changed significantly since I have come full circle to working within a high school. Wellbeing teams are now staffed by any number of youth workers, counsellors, social workers and psychologists openly working, making their presence known and encouraging students to access the services they offer. So, what is this counselling thing and why have schools invested so much into it?

Who are we? 

Counsellors are trained and experienced professionals. Often, counsellors have a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as psychology, social work, counselling or education. A counsellor can complete a master’s degree to further their skills and enhance the service they offer. At St Patricks College, we have an incredible team consisting of three full-time Counsellors (John Butters, Eric Hayes and Aidan Murphy) and a part-time Psychologist (Ken Spedding). 

What do we do?

Counselling involves talking with a trained professional in a safe, non-judgmental environment to address a wide range of issues, such as stress, anxiety, depression, study challenges and relationship difficulties. The need of each person accessing counselling is unique; however, the overall aim is to provide emotional support, explore strategies for personal growth and well-being and reach some sense of psychological resolution/ relief from a problem. 

When is it needed? 

Generally, counselling is recommended when someone is facing a problem that negatively influences their lives over an extended period. Life has its natural ups and downs which we manage without issue, however, if the issue is impacting a person’s ability to perform daily activities or participate in various aspects of their life, then counselling may be helpful. Counselling is not only reserved for when life gets tough! Counselling can also be utilized during those positive periods of our lives to enhance and sustain our progress.

Where is Counselling at St Pat's?

Within school grounds, counselling is in Student Services. Students are welcome to attend and ‘drop-in’ during recess and lunch time to discuss their needs. Alternatively, a student can speak to a trusted teacher, Year Level Coordinator or Head of School who can assist a student access the service. Students and parents can also e-mail (Counsellingteam@stpats.vic.edu.au) directly. 

Why do we need it?

Research has identified a clear link between our psychological wellbeing and educational/ occupational outcomes. Psychological wellbeing also contributes heavily to our overall sense of satisfaction with life. Unmanaged problems/ psychological stress may lead to worsening symptoms, social isolation/ impacted relationships and reduced engagement in the activities that we are good at and enjoy. 

- Ken Spedding, SPC Psychologist