Calrossy Anglican School

Wellbeing and Mary Kasper Visit

Wellbeing at Calrossy - Empowering Students through Targeted Programs

Calrossy’s unique structure allows the School to have a comprehensive Wellbeing Program specifically designed to cater to the distinct needs of boys and girls at various ages. At Calrossy 7-9 the single sex learning allows for an even more tailored approach to Wellbeing for students in early adolescence. Our targeted approach ensures that both boys and girls receive the attention and resources they need to thrive during these crucial years. The Wellbeing Program often includes guest speakers to the School for special workshops with the students and parents. Calrossy is excited to announce of these guest speakers will be visiting in Week 9.

 

Upcoming Highlight: Dr. Mary Kasper's Visit

We are thrilled to announce an upcoming visit from renowned clinical psychologist, Dr. Mary Kasper. With 20 years of experience and esteemed credentials, including her role as a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society Clinical College, Dr. Kasper is a leading expert in teen relational aggression. She is also the author of "The Popular Girls" and a mother of three young adults, bringing both professional and personal insights into her work.

Dr. Kasper will be meeting with our girls in Years 7 to 10, delivering two sessions that promise to equip them with the best and most current evidence-based strategies to navigate tricky teenage relationships. Her session will focus on building skills for compassion, connection, and courage—essential tools for developing healthy relationships. This aligns seamlessly with our ongoing emphasis on the importance of relationships within the wellbeing and PDHPE curriculum.

Dr. Kasper’s topics will include:

  • Field vs Stairs: Winning on the Field and Beyond
  • Gossip, Teasing, and Exclusion: Staying on the Field When You Disagree
  • Signature Strengths: Uncover the Gold
  • Your North Star: Connect with Purpose and Meaning
  • Gratitude: Cultivating an Abundance Mindset
  • The Invisible String: The Secret Power of Feeling Secure
  • Self-Compassion: Self-Kindness Leads to Other-Kindness

These topics aim to provide our students with practical tools and insights to foster resilience and positive relationships. Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of surveyed parents stating they will change how they parent for the better as a result of these interventions.

Calrossy will also support a parent webinar ran by Dr Mary Kasper on Monday, June 24 at 7pm.

The link to the meeting is below;

 

Parent seminar

 

Alternatively, these details can allow parents to connect manually.

 

Meeting ID: 826 6076 3622

 

Passcode: 547781

 

Holistic Care for All Students

Julie Murrie, our Years 7–9 Wellbeing Coordinator and Year 7 Girls Adviser, emphasises the importance of maintaining healthy relationships in all our wellbeing initiatives. "We look after the wellbeing of students in our care on a daily basis," she says. "Most students fall into Tier 1, where they benefit from holistic interventions like the Mary Kasper presentation. These programs are designed as preventative measures to promote overall wellbeing."

For students requiring additional support, Calrossy has a structured approach. "Tier 2 students may need individual support from wellbeing staff like Year Advisors, or small group work by our school counsellor or other staff," explains Mrs Murrie. 

"Our Tier 3 students require the most intervention. They remain on our TLC list from week to week and access additional supports like our school psychologist or other health professionals."

 

Key Wellbeing Events and Programs in Middle School

At Calrossy 7-9, our Wellbeing Program includes a range of key events and initiatives aimed at supporting our students' social and emotional growth:

  • Year 7 Orientation: Over three days, new students are introduced to secondary school systems, our rich history, and each other, ensuring a smooth transition.
  • Year 7 Peer Support Program: Year 9 leaders mentor Year 7 students, fostering connections and providing guidance throughout Term 1.
  • Parent Information Night: Year Advisors share valuable insights with parents, covering expeditions, the 7-9 Wellbeing program, and the Student Engagement framework.
  • Year 7-9 Expeditions: End-of-term outdoor activities promote peer connections and school values, with Year Advisors working closely with their groups.
  • Year Meetings: Regular gatherings address both administrative matters and social-emotional learning.
  • Mentor Groups: Four mornings a week, Mentor Teachers engage with students, checking Yondr pouches and facilitating activities that build group cohesion.
  • Seasons for Growth Group: This support group helps students who have experienced loss, offering a safe space for emotional healing.
  • Year 8 Manhood and Womanhood Series: A series of lessons and activities that help students navigate their transition to adulthood.
  • Yondr Pouch Program: Managed by our wellbeing staff, this initiative promotes focus and minimizes distractions.
  • Year 7 Preparation for Examinations: Guidance is provided to help Year 7 students prepare effectively for their exams.
  • Stand Tall Program: This initiative builds resilience, encourages standing up to bullying, and promotes healthy decision-making.
  • Year 8 Leadership Training: Prepares students for leadership roles within the 7-9 campus.
  • Year 9 Rite of Passage Program: Celebrates the end of Year 9 with activities, a final assembly, and a student-parent dinner, marking their transition to the Senior campus.