Student Wellbeing

Visible Wellbeing

As a psychologist, researcher and professor Lea Waters has championed the concept of visible wellbeing. In doing so she has shone a light on the profound impact of cultivating strengths and promoting positive emotions in school environments. Her work not only underscores the importance of nurturing individual resilience and flourishing but also emphasises the collective responsibility of school communities to foster a culture of support and growth.  

Lea Waters advocates for the transformation of invisible elements of wellbeing into visible aspects through the development of wellbeing literacy. Words have the ability to: 

• Shape our identity 
• Shape our actions 
• Shape our perspective  
• Bring relief 
• Reduce anxiety 

Knowing that words can have a profound influence on our personal journeys of growth and development, the Wellbeing Team decided that each term the year levels would select a word they felt represented their current journey at Shelford. This approach has encouraged a strong student voice and provided moments of reflection each term. I am pleased to announce the words chosen for Term 2 are: 

• Year 7 – Leaping 
• Year 8 – Growth 
• Year 9 – Unleashed 
• Year 10 – Balance 
• Years 11 & 12 – Stronger Together 

These words reflect the shared journey of each year level and their aspirations for the term.  

Information Sharing Schemes 

The Information Sharing Schemes play a vital role in promoting child wellbeing and safety and reducing family violence, as highlighted by three key reforms introduced by the Victorian Government. Shelford participates in these schemes as an Information Sharing Entity (ISE), enabling the sharing of information with other ISEs when specific thresholds are met. 

These thresholds consider the necessity of the shared information to enhance wellbeing and safety, to inform actions, and to exclude legally restricted information. The School can share and request information with various other ISEs, including Child FIRST, CYMHS, General Practitioners, community-based child and family services, and other schools. While consent is not mandatory to share or request information under these schemes, we will seek or consider the views of those involved when it is safe, reasonable, and appropriate to do so.  

Wellbeing Event  

This week, an exciting event unfolded as our Senior School students joined forces with their Junior School counterparts for a whole school wellbeing experience. The focal point? Balance – a crucial element in the lives of our students. We emphasised that while hard work is essential, so too is the need for rest and play. Through collaborative efforts in cross-level groups, our students engaged in a variety of activities aimed at fostering teamwork and camaraderie. From archery to team building, fun & fitness to giant dart netball and dodgeball extreme, there was no shortage of exhilarating experiences. Laughter filled the air as our students embraced the challenges and joys of these activities. It was an afternoon of fun, friendship, and the celebration of our collective Shelly spirit!