Wellbeing
Looking Back on 2025: A Year of Strong Wellbeing Support at St Luke’s
As we reach the end of another busy year at St Luke’s, it is a good opportunity to pause, look back, and recognise just how strongly our students are supported in their wellbeing from Kindergarten through to Year 12.
This year, that commitment has been lived out through a wide range of programs, structures and daily practices designed to ensure our young people feel safe, connected and empowered to grow.
Whole-School Wellbeing Structures
Throughout the year, students have been supported through:
- Dedicated Wellbeing Coordinators and Stage Coordinators who know their students and families and walk alongside them through the ups and downs of school life.
- House and student leadership structures that give students a voice, a sense of identity and a team they belong to.
- Regular check-ins and data-informed support using tools such as Skodel and MyMind Check, helping us identify students who need extra care and respond early.
Targeted Programs and Initiatives
In addition to our core structures, a range of targeted programs have supported students at key stages of their development, including:
- A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) approach to wellbeing, where: Tier 1 provides universal wellbeing teaching and positive behaviour expectations for all students, Tier 2 offers small-group or targeted support for students with emerging needs, andTier 3 delivers individualised, intensive support in partnership with families and external services when required.
- Peer Companions – Year 8 leaders mentoring Year 5 students as they transition into the School of Leadership, building confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.
- Tier 2 programs – such as Active Achievers, Harmony HUB and many more supporting students to build positive habits, resilience and healthy relationships.
- Shine / Excel – small-group programs for Year 7 students focusing on self-worth, confidence and positive choices.
- Top Blokes – supporting boys in Years 9–11 to develop emotional literacy, respectful relationships and positive masculinity.
- Social-emotional learning programs such as Open Parachute, Life Education / Healthy Harold and other wellbeing lessons integrated throughout the curriculum.
- SchoolTV – an online wellbeing platform available to our families, providing expert interviews, videos, fact sheets and practical resources on topics such as anxiety, friendships, online safety, resilience and mental health.
Everyday Wellbeing in the Life of the School
Wellbeing at St Luke’s is not just about programs – it’s embedded in the everyday life of our community:
- Teachers intentionally building positive classroom cultures and strong student–teacher relationships.
- Liturgies, prayer and reflection opportunities that nurture students spiritually and emotionally.
- House events, retreats, camps and celebration days that strengthen friendships, school spirit and community.
- Ongoing collaboration between families and the school so that when challenges arise, we respond together.
- Parent information evenings and workshops focused on topics such as mental health, resilience, online safety and adolescent development, ensuring parents and carers feel informed, supported and equipped to walk alongside their children.
- Ongoing collaboration between families and the school so that when challenges arise, we respond together – supported by resources such as SchoolTV to continue the conversation at home.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
We are incredibly proud of the way our students have grown this year – not just academically, but in their character, resilience and care for one another. This would not be possible without:
- The dedication of our teachers and support staff,
- The leadership of our Wellbeing, Inclusive Learning and Pastoral teams, and
- The trust and partnership of our parents and carers.
As we look ahead to 2026, we remain committed to refining and strengthening our wellbeing practices so that every student at St Luke’s continues to feel known, valued and supported.
On behalf of the Wellbeing Team, thank you for your ongoing support. We wish all our students and families a safe, restful and joyful holiday break.
Mr Bettiol
Leader of Wellbeing, Growth and Development
SPECIAL REPORT: New Social Media Regulations
From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account. This landmark reform marks a major step forward in addressing growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and development.
These changes aim to create a safer, more balanced digital environment by shifting responsibility back onto social media platforms to verify user ages and reduce exposure to harmful content. For many families, this is a welcome and long-awaited move that recognises mounting evidence linking early social media use with anxiety, poor sleep, body image concerns and reduced wellbeing.
While regulation is an important milestone, it cannot replace parental guidance. Families continue to play a vital role in helping children navigate the online world with awareness and confidence. This is an opportunity to review technology use at home, set healthy boundaries and start open conversations about digital behaviour. By understanding what these new regulations mean and why they matter, parents and caregivers can feel empowered to support their children's online safety and wellbeing through this period of change.
To stay informed about how these laws will work in practice, visit the eSafety Commissioner website for updates, tools and guidance.
You can also download the SchoolTV Family Tech Agreement to help your family set clear expectations around technology use.
Or, access our step-by-step guide showing young people how to download and save their social media data before regulations take effect.
You can download here: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-new-social-media-regulations
Last day of Peer Companions for the year!
We celebrate a very successful year of our Year 8 Peer Companion leaders mentoring our Year 5 students as they transitioned into the School of Leadership.
We thank all of our Year 8 Peer Companions for their outstanding work, kindness and dedication throughout the year. They have been a wonderful asset to the School of Leadership and fantastic role models for our Year 5 students.
We wish them all the best as they move into the School of Entrepreneurs and continue to grow as leaders.
Our New Peer Companions commence training in Preparation for next year
Recenetly our newly selected Peer Companions came together for their first training session ahead of their role supporting the new Year 5 students in 2026. As these students transition from the School of Foundations into the School of Leadership and Middle School, it’s a big step in their learning journey.
It’s wonderful to have a program where our older students in Year 8 are chosen as leaders and given the opportunity to guide, support and encourage our younger students as they settle into their new environment.
Meet our College Leaders
Celebrating Our New Student Leaders at St Luke’s Feast Day Mass
At our recent St Luke’s Feast Day Mass, we had the joy of inducting our new School Student Leadership Team in front of the whole community. It was a beautiful occasion that brought together students, staff and families, with parents proudly in attendance to witness this significant moment in their child’s journey.
During the mass, our new leaders were formally commissioned to serve the St Luke’s community. As they were called forward, each student was presented to the community as a young person who has shown commitment, responsibility and a genuine desire to serve others. The commissioning rite invited them to lead in the spirit of St Luke – with compassion, courage and faith.
Our student leaders will play an important role in shaping the culture of our school. Whether as School Captains, House and Portfolio Leaders, they will be called to:
- model our school values in their daily words and actions
- be voices of encouragement and inclusion for their peers
- support school events, liturgies and initiatives that promote wellbeing, learning and faith.
We were especially pleased to have parents and families present to share this moment. Their support reminds our students that leadership is not just about having a badge, but about working in partnership with others – at home and at school – to build a strong, caring community.
As we move forward from our Feast Day celebrations, we pray that our new leaders will be guided by the example of St Luke: listening deeply, serving humbly and always bringing hope to those around them. We look forward to seeing the many ways they will help our community continue to grow in faith, learning and love.
5-8 Portfolio Leaders for 2026
K-4 Portfolio Leaders for 2026
