Alumni Community, Positive Climate for Learning and Wellbeing 

Alumni Community

What is 'Alumni'? 

A graduate or former student of a particular school, college, or university.

Cranbourne East Secondary College is growing their Alumni community... Watch this space!

We look forward to inviting past students back to CESC to share their life journey, work experience and career pathway/s with current students. We aim to encourage, motivate and inspire today's students, and are eager to re-connect with past students. 

Reach out to us at: alumni@cesc.vic.edu.au if you would like to be involved. 

Last month, we celebrated International Women's Day (IWD). If you (or any woman you know) attended Cranbourne East Secondary College, please reach out and share your story so we can celebrate YOU!

Positive Climate for Learning

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Implementation

To foster a more positive and proactive approach to student behaviour, the College is transitioning away from a punitive system. In response to our identified needs, the Positive Climate for Learning Team has developed the first draft of the School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) Matrix.

This matrix outlines key settings where behaviour expectations will be reinforced and establishes clear behavioural expectations under three guiding principles: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible.

The initial draft was shared with staff for their feedback, which informed further refinements. The next phase involved seeking input from the Principals and Leadership Team, ensuring a well-rounded and effective framework. Following this, on Thursday, April 3rd, student leaders were introduced to the matrix, marking their first opportunity to provide valuable insights.

To ensure a comprehensive approach, the matrix will be presented to the School Council early next term for their input and endorsement. Their feedback will be instrumental in finalising the framework before full implementation.

This collaborative feedback process is essential in embedding a system that teaches and reinforces expected behaviours, while also fostering a positive and supportive school environment. Recognising and celebrating students who demonstrate these behaviours is a key aspect of the initiative.

As part of this shift, the existing RGAR points system will transition to Positive Behaviour Points once the matrix is fully implemented. Students will be awarded points not only for demonstrating the positive behaviours outlined in the matrix but also for their involvement in extracurricular activities, achievements in Year Level Assemblies, and representation of the College in sports or events.

We are committed to creating a school culture that encourages and rewards positive behaviour, ensuring a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.

Positive Education – Reach Foundation 

Cranbourne East Secondary College had the privilege of hosting The Reach Foundation, which imparted invaluable life skills to our Year 8, Year 10, and Year 11 students. Through a series of immersive workshops, students developed essential skills that will facilitate their success beyond the college.

In Year 8, the workshops concentrated on connection, respect, judgment, and the art of positive self-expression. These sessions encouraged students to share their high school experiences, fostering empathy and enhancing awareness of the impact of behaviour and bullying on others. Students engaged in meaningful discussions about overcoming challenges, nurturing resilience, and improving their social and emotional skills. The supportive environment fostered genuine connections and open expression among peers.

For Year 10, distinct workshops were organized for male and female students. Male and male-identifying students participated in the "Locker Room" workshop, which courageously addressed and challenged prevailing male stereotypes, shedding light on the collective struggles faced in striving to meet these unrealistic ideals. Meanwhile, female and female-identifying students took part in the "Mirror Mirror" workshop, which encouraged them to explore the constraints imposed upon femininity, guiding them toward discovering their authentic selves.

In Year 11, our students participated in the Purpose Workshop, designed to inspire and empower them to believe in their potential as they navigate life’s myriad challenges. This enriching experience equipped them with a diverse array of social and emotional skills, vital as they approach the complexities of their final years in secondary education. Students set their aspirations, identified barriers, and honed conflict resolution skills to aid their journeys.

As a college, we take immense pride in the enthusiastic participation and contributions of our students in these transformative workshops. We trust that the wisdom gleaned from these experiences will illuminate their paths forward.    

Wellbeing

During Term 1 our passionate Wellbeing Team have been busy providing one on one support and facilitating powerful small group and lunch time programs. Each day, we’re inspired by the young people we support and feel fortunate to be able to assist students, whether it’s with big challenges or small ones. We truly have the best jobs imaginable! 

A friendly reminder that we have our Doctors in Schools program, available every Thursday! This fantastic initiative brings healthcare professionals directly to our school, providing students with easy access to medical advice and support. Whether your child/ young person needs a check-up, advice on your health, or someone to talk to, our school doctor is here to help. Appointments can be booked through Compass or directly with our Wellbeing team. 

This term our new school nurse commenced, Jessica Dove, she is passionate about educating and supporting Students. Jess will be at the college on Mondays and Tuesdays with her primary focus being health promotion. 

 Below are some of the small group programs and lunchtime activities wellbeing facilitated in Term 1; 

Seasons for Growth 

The Seasons for Growth workshop concluded this week at Wellbeing, it was run by our Mental Health Practitioner, Alan Yin, and Junior School Counsellor, Sarah Bentley. Seasons for Growth is an educational program that builds the resilience and wellbeing of children who have experienced loss due to death, family separation or migration. Seasons for Growth aims to support young people to understand their feelings, help them develop skills for coping, restore self-confidence and educate them about the grief process. The program does this by reflecting the stages of grief visually through the Seasons of Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer, recognising that change and loss are a part of life, and normalising our reactions and emotions around the loss and change that we may experience in our lives. Seasons for Growth has been shown to build an understanding of grief, improve emotional wellbeing, enable participants to express themselves, and strengthen their social and support networks.

If you would more information on the Season’s for Growth workshop, please contact Wellbeing staff, or visit: Seasons for Growth | Australian Institute of Family Studies (aifs.gov.au)

Art Therapy

Art therapy is a program that we run once a week for selected students in Years 7-10 and focuses on improving wellbeing and connectedness through creative means.

* Art therapy helps people use creativity and self-expression to support their mental health.

* Art therapy is a tool for helping students to interpret, express and resolve their emotions and thoughts.
Students will work with these classes to explore their emotions and understand feelings that are causing distress and help to find a resolution.

Strength within Program

The Strength Within Programs runs weekly for a 6 week period. The program helps students develop emotional regulation and wellbeing through guided workouts and using emotional regulation strategies. By understanding how movement can be used as a tool for managing emotions, positive mental and physical health.

BFF 

BFF lunchtime club has been running for the second half of term two, girls in year 7 to 9 have been welcomed into green room twelve on Fridays at junior lunchtime for some games, affirmations, connected conversations and a safe space to make new friends. BFF club aims to provide a safe space for girls to take up new opportunities to make friends and bond over fun activities. Activities this term have included bracelet making, Bestie Bucket and BFF flags. Thank you to all the girls that have come along so far, Cathy and Sarah look forward to some more fun activities and conversations in term 2

Diversity Club 

Diversity Club is a safe and welcoming space for students to celebrate inclusion, equality, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. A place to connect, share experiences and engage in activities and events. 

Have a wonderful term break. We are looking forward to supporting students and our School Community again in Term 2 - it is another fun, busy and exciting Term ahead! 

With gratitude,

Nicole Price

Wellbeing Leader

First Aid 

If your child has an allergy or medical condition recorded at the school, it is essential that you provide us with an updated Action Plan. This will ensure that we can take the necessary steps to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of an emergency. First Aid is critical to the health and well-being of your child.

As part of our ongoing commitment to student care, the DEET policy and procedures have been updated. The CESC First Aid team kindly requests that all parents and carers supply a current Action Plan outlining their child’s medical needs. Should you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our First Aid team.

In Term 1, we also introduced information pamphlets for Hayfever and Abdominal/Menstrual Pain. These informative fact sheets are designed to provide students with helpful hints and tips to self-manage their symptoms and continue their daily routines, ensuring they are prepared to come to school ready to learn.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe and supported.