Pastoral Focus

Collegiality is clear to see

This week I have found myself reflecting on collegiality – following last week’s whole-school Interhouse Cross Country. The event, planned and hosted by the Physical Education Department, was a stunning success - but my lasting memory was about the way the school came together to celebrate each other and display incredible house and whole school spirit. It was a whole-school event in every sense of the word and a wonderful display of our collegiality at St George’s

These are the moments that build culture and define the pastoral health of the school. In my view, we are in a very good place.

Over the past two weeks I have been undertaking some professional development on a course that teaches Youth Mental Health First Aid. I have held this qualification for almost seven years, but it was time to requalify to keep up to date with current best practice.

It is clear to me that our younger generations are facing ongoing challenges to their wellbeing. It is essential that we all come together – staff, students and families – to support them when they need us.

Collegiality is companionship and cooperation between stakeholders who share responsibility. I am proud to say that we model this definition every day. Maybe not always perfectly but with a genuine intent.

Parent Guest Speaker Adam Pryzula - coming soon

As part of our commitment to the wellbeing of our students we have organised for the director of Armed For Life, Mr Adam Pryzula, to come to the school on 22 May to talk to parents and carers about that elusive quality - ‘resilience’. 

Adam created Armed For Life, an organisation solely devoted to the wellbeing of adolescents, and is an acknowledged expert and a passionate speaker. It will be well worth your time if you are available. Book your spot here and I look forward to seeing you all on the night.

Tune in to SchoolTV

We all now have access to SchoolTV - a wonderful resource that includes videos and fact sheets to guide families through many of the challenges we face raising young people in 2024 and beyond. Check it out.

Mr Ian Thompson

Head of Pastoral - Student Wellbeing