Learning and Wellbeing

Recess Wellbeing Clubs

Rainbow Club

The students of Rainbow Club have taken part in a vast array of activities in celebration of friendship, pride and all things rainbow! The group have created some beautiful decorations for our wellbeing space whilst having valuable conversations around how we can make our school community more inclusive.   

Our Wednesday recess group is a great way for students to connect and support one another and to remind ourselves that it is our differences that make our community stronger. Come join SSO Lucy and SLSO Sue on the 26th August where we will be engaging in some purple-themed fun for Wear It Purple Day! 

Craft Club

Every Tuesday recess we see students gather together in our snug little space that is the wellbeing hub to engage in a variety of fun and relaxing crafts. Led by SLSO Sue, students are invited to harness their creative powers and let their imagination shine in a calm, comforting environment. If you are looking to make some new friends or have a flair for art, feel free to join us in the wellbeing hub.  

Mindful Minds

In the midst of a busy school day, things can feel pretty overwhelming. Why not take a mindful moment in our wellbeing hub? Thursday recess breaks are a great space to recharge your batteries and ground yourself through calming, meditative activities. Taking a second to breathe, reflect and focus on the present allows you to slow your mind and prepare yourself to take on life's challenges. This term SSO Bec and SLSO Sue have watched students engage with curiosity and open-minds as the group support each other to develop positive wellbeing strategies.   

Friday Reset

During our Friday recess breaks, students have the opportunity to unwind, breathe and have a mindful chat in our wellbeing hub with school psychologist Sindella and SSO Kate. This is a great chance to learn some practical coping strategies in a quiet space amongst friends. Life can be a lot, but you don't have to deal with it alone. Next time you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the playground, take a trip to the hub and have a wellbeing reset.   

Seasons for Growth 

Going through big life changes can feel confusing, lonely, and overwhelming, and it can often be a hard conversation to start with our friends. This term our SSOs Kate, Bec and Lucy and SLSO Sue are proud to facilitate Seasons for Growth, a program centred on helping young people adapt to change, loss and grief. Using the four seasons as a metaphor for how our lives are ever changing, the program seeks to support the social and emotional wellbeing of young people and strengthen their self-confidence and resilience. By valuing each other's stories and working together in times of hardship, we can begin to learn the skills necessary for responding to life's challenges.    

NRL Day 

Last year, a group of FGHS students participated in the NRL "League in Harmony Program" as part of the NRL's Social Impact strategy to address social issues and contribute to positive change in local communities. Fast forward through a Sydney gala day, an $1000 grant and a lot of hard work, a select group of these students were called to action to deliver their own 'Peace Project' under the esteemed title of Peace Advocates. Term 2 we saw these bright young people rise to the occasion and put on a spectacular NRL Gala Day of their own here at Francis Greenway High School.  

The Peace Project sought out to bring community together under a banner of inclusion, empowerment and positivity – and that is exactly what was achieved. There was a delicious BBQ, a variety of fun activities and a Zooper Dooper stall run by our local Youth Off the Streets workers. At the conclusion of the day, select students who had demonstrated inclusion, respect, diversity and connection throughout the day were awarded NRL themed prizes and celebrated in front of the whole school. Overall, the day was a massive success, thanks to the efforts of our Peace Advocates and all staff who helped out along the way. 

LoveBites 

For the past two terms, the SSOs have been able to facilitate the LoveBites program across all of Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and now finishing up with Support classes. We have been thrilled to see our students rise to the challenge and contribute to meaningful discussions around what makes a respectful relationship. Each student has now participated in a tailored program designed to help them build the skills necessary to identify red and green flags in relationships and empower them to speak up and support one another. We hope that our students are able to use these tools gained from LoveBites to help make informed choices and contribute to a positive school community.   

Youth Off the Streets Outreach 

Looking for something to do on a Monday afternoon? Head to the skatepark for the Woodberry Outreach hosted by Youth Off the Streets! Running from 2:30-5pm every Monday, you'll find a range of different activities and stalls for you to check out, all for free. There is food to eat, music playing, arts and crafts, sports and other games for you to participate in. If you're looking for some support services but aren't sure where to start, go see the friendly youth workers and have a chat. Grab some friends and it check it out!