Wellbeing

Buddy Leader Training

On Monday 4th November, 77 Year 10 students completed the Buddy Leader Training program. We thank the Year 10 students for putting themselves forward and showing interest in making a difference to the incoming Year 7’s experience in transitioning to high school and welcoming them to Chev.

The Buddy Leader Training Day is one of several components of the process of discernment in the program. The students will continue to work with the 2025 Leaders of House with a final selection of Buddy Leaders announced by the conclusion of the school year. 

We also would like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment to the program overseen by Joshua Higson and Luke Wilson and facilitated by the 2025 Leaders of House, Tanya White (Burford), Josh Higson (stepping in for Katie Suro- Clancy), Tim Small (Giles), Luke Wilson (Osborne), Louise Glase (Reid) and Emily Davies (Riversdale). We also had valuable input from our college counsellors Bryan McDade and Felicity Webster. 

Ms Clunn and Ms LaGarde 

Here are two reflections from Year 10 students: 

On Monday, 4 November, Year 10 students had the opportunity to participate in the Buddy Leader Training Day. This day allowed us to collaborate in a group setting and learn how to be supportive buddies and role models for the incoming Year 7 cohort in 2025. 

We began by meeting with other students in our house groups, along with our Leader of House, for brainstorming activities. These activities encouraged creativity and helped us reflect on our values as we prepare to move into our senior years.

We also took part in icebreakers and shared stories about our own first days at Chev, which helped reinforce the understanding that being a buddy leader involves more than just showing up for our buddies. It means truly supporting them throughout their first year, communicating effectively, and guiding them as they settle into their new environment. Overall, it was an amazing and valuable day, and I think I speak for many Year 10 students when I say that I can’t wait to become a buddy leader and see what 2025 will bring.

— Hannah R

The Buddy Leader Training Day taught us how to communicate effectively with our buddies and develop key skills to help them feel comfortable with us. We played games and participated in icebreakers to prepare for the role. 

The purpose of buddy leading is to make the transition from primary school to high school as smooth as possible, while also being positive role models and teaching new students how to navigate the school. It’s also a way to pay forward the support we received from our own buddies when we first started at Chev. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and felt that I learned a lot from it. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned next year to help the new Year 7 students and make their first year at Chev as easy as possible.

— Max P

Anti-Bullying Survey: 

As an integral part of the College's Anti-Bullying procedure, all students were asked to complete a survey during Home Room on Friday 8th November.

The survey is to give us feedback on the student’s perception of bullying at the College. This data will then inform programs that may need to be implemented. 

After the data of the survey has been collated relevant students will be followed up and support will be offered where needed.  

Year 9 YAM program: 

Year 9 students were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in the YAM program on  Monday 21 October, Monday 28 October and Monday 4 November.

The Catholic Education Office has been collaborating with multiple school systems to run a school-based peer support and mental health literacy program called Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM).

YAM is a program aimed at addressing the mental health needs of young people.This was a valuable experience for our students and one that we are grateful for the CEO of Wollongong in providing. 

Leaders workshops

On Monday 21st October Year 11 College Leaders had the opportunity to attend a Leadership workshop with external presenter Richard Burton from myDESIGN. 

The Fundamentals of Leadership was a one-day workshop that is designed with the following objectives in mind for students:

Developing the confidence to lead through a proven leadership framework. 

Learn key leadership skills that can be immediately applied.

Grow supportive relationships with fellow school leaders. 

Workshop Outline

• Leadership myths – changing perceptions about what leadership is and who can be a leader.  
• Framework for leading from the inside-out: 
• Leading Self – using your unique abilities to unlock your potential.
• Leading Others – uncovering what others need from a leader. 
• Developing an initiative to lead – the six steps to creating and leading an initiative and creating impact. 

The workshop was facilitated by:

Richard Burton from myDESIGN Education - a provider of education programs and coaching to young Australians. Their aim is to provide individuals with a new way of thinking that empowers them to be the designers of their future – from the inside-out. 

Richard has two decades of experience in senior leadership positions and since 2010 has been a trusted coach to hundreds of leaders across Australia.