Wellbeing and Positive Education

Introducing STRIVE in CESC

Term 3 has been a busy start for positive education in CESC. In this term, students have participated in workshops, interacted with guest speakers and participated in mini lessons for STRIVE. STRIVE is a whole school positive education model that seeks to empower our students to be the best versions of themselves.

STRIVE is built upon the 6 pillars of wellbeing that include Strength, Thankfulness, Relationships, Inspiration, Vision and Emotion.

Students were introduced to STRIVE and provided with House STRIVE Student Journals to help them along with their studies. Inside the journals contain habit trackers, QR codes to mini lessons and QR codes to Community Connectors. Community Connectors are there for you to use to interact with your family and participate in some challenges. When you have participated in the connector, please take a photo and submit it for an entry for a prize!

Paul Watkins

In week 1, guest speaker Paul Watkins visited CESC to present to our Year 12 students and the staff body. Paul has accomplished many things in his life. He is a High-Altitude Mountaineer, Pharmacist, Ultra Runner, Adventure Racer and a full-time Dad. During his time with the year 12 cohort and our staff body, he shared key ingredients that lead towards success, his experiences and some life lessons that he learnt along the way. From his speech, a few key quotes left a strong impression on our students and staff:

• Whenever you must make a choice, you will always regret not choosing the other option. Life is about making choices that you will regret the least.
• Motivation is not an indicator of success. Motivation gets you to the starting line, discipline carries you to the end.
• Confidence comes from building an undeniable body of proof that you are who you say you are. 

Along with supporting students one-on-one, the Wellbeing Team have been working on several other exciting group programs and school-wide initiatives this term. 

Seasons for Growth 

The Season of Growth program is in week 5, transitioning from winter to spring. Students are developing positive adaptions to change and loss while adjusting to these experiences and establishing connections. The program focuses on building resilience and emotional literacy while incorporating a safe space, writing and discussion. The students have been amazing and allowing us to go on the journey with them while showing empathy and vulnerability.

Permission to Feel 

Students have been able to explore and acknowledge their feelings while fostering emotional intelligence. Students have shown insight into their emotions while demonstrating their understanding of zones of regulation and equipping them with a toolbox of self-regulation strategies. 

Indigenous Artwork 

We’d like to celebrate 2 of our talented year 8 Koori students; Emily Sinclair and Abigail Singleton, who are currently working on an Aboriginal commission art piece for Bunjil Place. They were taught techniques by Aboriginal Elders. It’s such an impressive and beautiful piece - it's great to see how proud the girls are of their work!

Art Therapy 

Small group Art Therapy Sessions for Years 7-10 run on a weekly basis. Art Therapy is used to help interpret, express and resolve feelings and is a helpful coping strategy for a variety of reasons. 

Quotes from last semester's students:

“You get a sense of relief when you learn to understand yourself better. Once you have released the emotions through your art you are more able to work through your issues and find a solution”

“It’s a time to be creative and to open up to your own feelings. You can express your own feelings from your brain through your artwork”

This a lovely piece completed by Trinity Carter, year 11. 

R U OK DAY

RUOKDAY will be held at CESC on the 12th of September as it is an important day dedicated to open conversation about mental health and checking with those around us. We will be running lunchtime activities to help foster these important connections and encouraging everyone to check in and support one another to make a difference as one conversation can change a life. 

Wear it Purple Day

Wear it Purple Day is an annual LGBTIQA+ awareness day, especially for young people, based in Australia. Supporters wear purple to celebrate diversity and young people from the LGBTIQA+ community.

On the 20th of August, the Diversity Club lunchtime club will be having a party during senior lunchtime.  And on the 27th of August, the Diversity Club will be doing fundraising for Minus 18. Minus 18 is Australia's charity improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth via life-affirming events, leadership programs, and education for the whole community.

It is a privilege to support the students and the wider CESC community.