School Life & Wellbeing

Featured in this article: 

• Wellbeing - Marcellin House Assembly 
• Wellbeing – Belonging and Connection: Year 12 Jackets 
• Wellbeing - Primary School Connection Visits 

On Tuesday, 29 March, Marcellin House hosted the College Assembly on the theme of Perseverance. House Captains, Kayla Condratoff and Dane Hammond, lead the assembly with a brief description regarding the character strength of perseverance. 

From Kayla:   

“Perseverance doesn’t always have to feel like you’re climbing a mountain to get to the end, it can really be as simple as getting dressed and going to school. However, that persistence is just as important, when we do face a larger challenge in life.” 

And Dane: 

“ Perseverance isn’t just about pushing through but finding other ways to reach our end goal. For example, with the swimming carnival. Our goal was more so about cooperation and participation, rather than placing highly with each event.  Even when faced with challenges like tough competition, we found ways to support each other and stay motivated.” 

Psychologist, Angela Duckworth, is well known for her expertise on the Character Strength of Perseverance and is the author of ‘Grit’ and co-founder of the Character Lab.  In her book, Angela describes the evidence-based research on the topic of perseverance.  Angela is on record to say that “Talent counts. Effort counts twice.” 

It is a great message to convey to our students and encompasses the work we continue to do at encouraging a growth mindset towards our learning and development. 

Wellbeing – Belonging and Connection: Year 12 Jackets 

This morning our Year 12’s were called to the Chapel to receive their Year 12 Commemorative Jackets.  A crisp Autumn morning was the perfect backdrop for the presentation of the Jackets.  Fr Brendan Hogan was on hand after morning Mass in the Chapel to bless the jackets and seeing the Year 12’s walk proudly around the College this morning displaying them is a great way to finish the week. 

Wellbeing – Primary School Connection Visits 

This week I have had the privilege to escort some of Marist Sion’s Year 7 ambassadors to our Catholic feeder primary schools as part of our yearly primary school connection visits.  While our ambassadors have only been with us for just over a Term, I am always amazed by the quality of young leaders we have that rise to the occasion when given the opportunity.  

These visits form part of our ongoing orientation for our future students and having the ambassadors represent the College provided the opportunity for the future students to ask questions about how secondary education is different.  Having the ambassadors helps diminish some of those nervous or anxious emotions that future students might have about beginning at such a large school. 

Thank you and well done to the following students. 

St Joseph’s Warragul 

St Angela of the Cross  

Columba Catholic School  

St Ita’s Primary School 

St Joseph's Trafalgar Visit will take place next week 

Where to access support?

The College has a support network for all students to assist in managing their mental health and wellbeing. Students are encouraged to seek wellbeing support from the Counselling and Wellbeing Services Team. Mrs Joanna John (Psychologist) and a team of counsellors are available five days a week to meet with students and families.

Additional support is available by contacting Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Parentline Victoria on 13 22 89 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Mr Daniel Nisbet

Deputy Principal: Wellbeing Partnerships and Safety