WELLBEING REPORT

Year 11 and 12 Sexual Consent Presentation: Empowering Students with Knowledge

Last week, our Year 11 and 12 students were given the valuable opportunity to attend a sexual consent presentation led by Allie Collyer, a Community Legal Education Worker from Mallee Family Care. The session was an important part of our commitment to ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge to make informed and respectful decisions regarding consent.

Allie provided clear and insightful information, expanding our students' understanding of what consent is, why it's essential, and the laws surrounding it. The session focused on empowering students with the tools to navigate relationships responsibly, emphasising respect, communication, and mutual understanding.

By discussing real-world scenarios and legal frameworks, the presentation helped our students gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of consent in all interactions. We are grateful to Allie for leading this important conversation and for providing our students with the knowledge and resources to make informed choices in the future.

Year 10 Bloom & Empower and Man Cave Programs: A Day of Growth, Connection, and Wellbeing

This week, our Year 10 students participated in two fantastic programs designed to promote healthy wellbeing, empathy, and personal growth. The girls joined the Bloom and Empower program, while the boys spent their day with the Man Cave program. It was an inspiring and enriching experience for everyone involved, packed with opportunities to learn, share, and build stronger connections with peers.

Bloom and Empower: A Day of Team Building and Self-Discovery

The girls kicked off their day with a series of team bonding activities, including the exciting Marshmallow Challenge, where they worked together to create the tallest structure possible using spaghetti and a marshmallow. This hands-on activity encouraged collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving to build strong connections within our students.

Throughout the day, the girls explored powerful concepts like growth mindset and the power of yet, helping them reframe challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. They also delved into the Circle of Control, a tool to help navigate stressful situations by focusing on what they can control in their daily lives. These discussions were paired with shared experiences, empathy, and reflection, creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

To help manage stress and tricky social situations, the girls engaged in guided meditation and role-playing exercises. These activities provided them with practical tools for stress management and conflict resolution. The day culminated in a circle sharing session, where they expressed their thoughts and feelings, and we wrapped up the day with a creative and fun activity, bracelet making. Each student was able to relax and have some fun by crafting a bracelet with words of affirmation, as a tangible reminder of the power they hold within themselves.

Man Cave: Building Empathy and Understanding

Meanwhile, the boys spent their day immersed in the Man Cave program, a space designed to foster deep reflection and meaningful conversations. The program opened with circle sharing, where the boys had the chance to open up, connect, and discuss topics that were important to them.

A key focus of the day was Calling Up, Not Calling Out, a workshop that addressed disrespectful behaviour by exploring the impact of actions rather than labeling them as ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ This approach encourages the boys to reflect on how their actions affect both themselves and others, fostering a more thoughtful, respectful, and empathetic mindset.

The boys also participated in games and activities designed to spark engagement and create spaces for real conversations. They explored tools to make life a little easier and shared stories from their own lived experiences. This not only helped deepen their understanding of one another but also gave them the confidence to handle challenging situations with empathy and maturity.

Overall, it was a day full of growth, connection, and fun. Both programs allowed our students to explore essential life skills, share meaningful experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers. We're so proud of the way everyone engaged with the activities and contributed to creating such a positive and supportive atmosphere.

We look forward to seeing the lasting impact these programs will have on our students as they continue to grow, connect, and support one another.

If you would like to contact the Wellbeing Team please email gphelan@mackillopsh.vic.edu.au or call 5032 9771.

Mandy McCallum & Gemma Phelan

Directors of Wellbeing