From the Deputy Principal

Wellbeing Week 

This week is dedicated to fostering positive mental, physical and emotional health across our College community. Throughout Wellbeing Week, a variety of activities are taking place, all inspired by the 'Five Ways to Wellbeing': Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Be Aware and Help Others. 

Connect: Extensive research shows that building close relationships and socialising with friends, family and others is vital for good health and wellbeing. Expanding your social networks and engaging with people in the broader community also plays an important role in enhancing your overall wellbeing.

Be Active: Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits, including chemical changes in the brain that improve mood and help prevent or reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Exercise strengthens the heart, lungs, bones and muscles, boosting energy and resilience. It also improves sleep quality, supports brain health and fosters new neural connections throughout life.

Keep Learning: Learning is important at every age and stage of life. It can be enjoyable, build self-confidence and self-esteem, help us find meaning and purpose, and connect us with others. Staying curious and open to new experiences contributes significantly to happiness and wellbeing.

Be Aware: Take time to pause and be present – notice your surroundings, thoughts and feelings. Practising mindfulness can positively influence your outlook on life and help you navigate challenges with greater clarity and calm.

Help Others: Helping others is not only a kind and generous act, it also benefits your own wellbeing. Giving activates areas of the brain linked to pleasure, social connection and trust. Altruistic behaviour releases endorphins and boosts happiness for both the giver and the receiver.

For more resources, visit: Five Ways to Wellbeing Australia

Highlights of our Wellbeing Week celebrations include: 

• Yoga and meditation sessions
• Writing gratitude cards
• Learning about gut health and cold-pressed juice
• 'Just Dance' sessions
• A student–staff dodgeball competition 
• R U OK? Day cookies
• The Wellbeing Fair

Dodgeball: In a thrilling finish, our Year 12s proved unstoppable, helping the student team clinch a well-earned victory! 

A special congratulations to Olivia Hunniford Webb, Prefect for Wellbeing, who is leading Wellbeing Week with support from fellow Prefects and Year 11/12 students.

R U OK? Day | Thursday 11 September

Tomorrow marks R U OK? Day, an initiative focused on suicide prevention through meaningful conversations and informal support networks. In support of the day, SchoolTV has released a special report: click here to read it online.

This Special Report offers guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

Understanding the growing mental health challenges faced by young people is crucial. Issues such as anxiety, depression and self-harm are increasingly common, influenced by factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations. It’s essential for parents and carers to act early, reduce stigma and provide accessible support.

R U OK? Day encourages us all to check in with those around us and ask the simple but powerful question: 'Are you OK?' Participating in R U OK? Day is a commitment to our students’ wellbeing. By fostering open conversations and normalising emotional expression, we create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued and supported. Parents and carers play a vital role in this by encouraging dialogue and breaking down mental health stigmas.

Santa Maria yearbook | Notice to students and families 

We wish to inform you that the 2025 College yearbook, the Santa Maria, will be distributed to our community at the beginning of the 2026 academic year, rather than at the end of this year. 

This change allows us to include key Term 4 events, such as the Year 12 Graduation Mass and the Senior School Prize Giving, ensuring a complete and historically representative account of the school year. 

Our current Year 12 students will be invited to collect their copy of the 2025 Santa Maria from the Student Services office in the New Year (date to be advised). If they are unable to attend, a family member may collect it on their behalf. 

All other students (Kinder to Year 12 in 2026) will receive their yearbook during the first week of Term 1 2026. 

We look forward to a wonderful publication that will be filled with academic milestones, creative achievements, House triumphs, sporting endeavours and other cocurricular pursuits. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation.