Health & Wellbeing

The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time for Kildare every year as we welcome our fresh new students into Year 7 as members of our College Community.

At Kildare we have several structures and events in place to aid students in their transition to high school, some commencing during their year 6 time and some that commence during their first term at the College and beyond.

A favourite time of the year for the College Counselling team is the Year 7 Belonging Day, this year on 18/2/25. Throughout the day, the students experience a variety of sessions within their house group with a focus on building connections, culture, history and wellbeing.

Bre and  Rachel (College Counselling Team) facilitate a session on healthy relationships during Belonging Day. It is a great opportunity to introduce ourselves as members of the Wellbeing Team at the College, explain our roles and how to access a variety of supports for wellbeing.

We talk about the importance of student wellbeing and mental health and its correlation to engagement in learning. If we are not able to support our mental health and wellbeing, we cannot be effective learners. 

Activities in the session focus on:

• Creating a sense of belonging.

• Taking risks in making new connections.

• Normalising mixed feelings regarding leaving primary school and commencing at high school.

• Communication.

• Boundaries. 

• Inclusivity.

• Accepting differences

• Dealing with conflict.

• Gratitude.

• Healthy support-seeking behaviours.

This Year 7 cohort was engaged and appeared to enjoy the sessions. It was a lively and fun experience for the counselling team, and hopefully for the students too.

For more information and ideas to support year 7 students in the early days of high school, Dr Michael Carr Gregg and School TV provide interesting insight:

Click on the link: Starting Year 7 schooltv.

Rachel Smith | College Counsellor