Student Wellbeing and Engagement

This term, our wellbeing focus has centred on online presence, building students’ self-esteem, and strengthening their digital safety skills. Students across the College have engaged with a range of external services and programs that have positively contributed to their overall wellbeing.

Year 7 & 8: Victoria Police Cyber Safety Presentations

Year 7 and 8 students participated in presentations delivered by Victoria Police on cyberbullying, cyber safety, and the impacts of our digital footprint. These sessions equipped students with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their online presence and highlighted how digital behaviours can affect young people’s wellbeing.

Susan McLean – Cyber Safety Solutions

The Year 8 cohort also heard from Susan McLean, one of Australia’s leading cyber safety experts. Susan discussed the upcoming social media ban and the impact of social media on young people. Students gained valuable insights into navigating the digital world safely and responsibly.

Calm Youth – Inspiring Purpose Through Passion

Selected Year 9 students participated in Calm Youth’s five-week program, Inspiring Purpose Through Passion. Calm Youth is a Victorian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young people with confidence, purpose and connection. Students actively engaged in activities designed to build practical skills they can apply to their daily lives and friendships.

Year 9 Health Day

Year 9 students took part in workshops facilitated by The Man Cave and The Big Sister Experience.

Big Sister Experience: Provided workshops for female students focused on empowerment, self-confidence, self-love and resilience.
The Man Cave: Delivered workshops focused on mental health, breaking down harmful stereotypes, and fostering healthy relationships. Students were given a safe space to share experiences and build emotional literacy and regulation skills.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the skills and messages shared.

Operation Newstart

Four Year 9 students - Mahyar, Oliver, Ngamoni and Trinity - took part in the four-week Operation Newstart leadership program. Throughout the program, students completed a wide variety of workshops, outdoor experiences and community projects aimed at building confidence, resilience and teamwork.

Some of the activities included:

A city camp
A visit to the East Melbourne Fire Station
Meeting the Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal and learning about fundraising
Eureka Skydeck
Rock climbing
An Amazing Race
Exploring Britannia Creek Cave and Lake Mountain

It was wonderful to hear about the personal growth and positive experiences each student gained throughout the program. Below are some of the reflections and highlights from the students:

Oliver

Highlight: “Rock climbing.”
Skill learnt: “Working with others more and using leadership skills.”
Leadership style: “Peer leadership, because I encouraged everyone and worked with different ideas during the Amazing Race.”

Ngamoni

Highlight: “Tree surfing - it was very different to other activities this week.”
Interesting learning: “I learnt new things about the bikes, and also how language can be a barrier when teaching EAL students.”
Leadership style: “Self-leadership, because I was motivated to come.”

Trinity

Highlight: “The first day we went to the snow - we learnt new skills and went down the hill.”
Leadership skill demonstrated: “Responsibility, by making sure I was organised and packed.”
Surprise learning: “I didn’t know I could ski - but when I tried, it felt good.”

R U OK? Day – A Conversation Could Change a Life

Throughout the week, students engaged in activities to promote connection and wellbeing as part of R U OK? Day.

Activities included:

Cupcake decorating for Year 12 students, providing a space to connect and share how they were feeling ahead of exams.
A community mural, where students worked together to decorate a large ‘RUOK?’ display, highlighting the importance of checking in on one another.
Gratitude messages, where students wrote positive notes for friends and teachers.
Wellbeing bingo and mindful colouring activities throughout the week.

These activities encouraged students to check in with themselves and each other, reinforcing the message that starting a conversation can make a meaningful difference.

As we conclude the term, we are incredibly proud of the way our students have embraced each wellbeing opportunity with positivity and openness. Their engagement, growth and willingness to support one another continue to strengthen our connected school community. We look forward to building on this momentum and supporting their wellbeing in 2026.

Belinda McKenzie

Assistant Principal - Student Wellbeing