Wellbeing

Wellbeing Lessons – Term 1

Students in Years 9–12 take part in scheduled Wellbeing lessons each Day 3, affectionately known as 'Wellbeing Wednesday'. These sessions have become a valuable space to share important information and support our students’ overall wellbeing.

We recognise that academic confidence is closely linked to student wellbeing, so we welcomed Mr Hargreaves, Academic Development Coordinator, to speak about key aspects of the academic journey. These lessons also allow us to tailor content to each year group, for example, Mr Abbey’s presentation to students about their upcoming Retreats.

A special thank you goes to our College Counsellors, Head of Counselling Lorraine Foy and Counsellor Angelina Martins, who created engaging and informative presentations centred on the Wellness Wheel. Students explored the five dimensions of wellbeing, Physical, Mental, Social, Emotional and Spiritual and then worked in groups to research one dimension in depth. Their findings were developed into presentations, some of which will be shared with the year group as we continue this work into Term 2.

Years 11 and 12 also heard from Mrs Murchie, our Careers Advisor, who outlined important information about Career Days and post‑school pathways.

Wellbeing Wednesdays

Thank you to our Student Care Captains, Charli and Ethan, and to all Student Leaders who helped run clubs during break times in Weeks 7–10.  

Students had the chance to join crochet, sports, chess and art clubs, and it was wonderful to see so many young people connecting with peers through activities they enjoy.

(See daily notices for upcoming clubs and opportunities.)

See a glimpse of the crochet club! 

Secondary Schools Student Leadership Program – Parliament of NSW

This civics and citizenship program gives Year 12 student leaders the chance to deepen their understanding of state government, parliamentary processes, and the role of the Governor, as well as meet their local Member of Parliament.

Our representatives this year were Ava L and Emily W, who both thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Reflection from Emily: 

“The Secondary Schools Leadership Program really shaped my understanding of state politics and how young people can become leaders in their communities. Meeting members of parliament and hearing their journeys and perspectives on leadership was eye‑opening. It reminded us that leadership isn’t about putting ourselves first, but about representing a community and acting in its best interest. Ava and I are so grateful for the opportunity to develop our leadership skills and learn more about the great leaders in the NSW government.”

Buddy Leader Badging

Congratulations to our newly badged Buddy Leaders. Their work with Year 7 now continues daily in Home Room, and it has been wonderful to see our newest students beginning their Chevalier journey and forming meaningful connections.

ASSAD Survey

Thank you to the many students and parents in Years 9–12 who consented to participate in the Australian Secondary Schools Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) Survey, conducted every three years.

The ASSAD Survey is Australia’s largest national study of adolescent substance use. It tracks trends in tobacco, alcohol, e‑cigarette and other drug use among students aged 12–17, with around 30,000 participants nationwide.

Most Recent Findings (2022–2023) 

• Vaping: Almost 30% of students had tried vaping at least once; daily vaping remained low at 3%. 
• Smoking: Smoking rates among students continue to decline, reaching their lowest levels since 1996. 

• Alcohol: Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance. Risky drinking rates have fluctuated, with recent increases noted among female students.

   

We look forward to sharing the latest data once the analysis is complete.