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Wellbeing

Registerhere: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.catholic.schooltv.me/webinar/east-coast-digital-media-literacy-safety-part-2

 

 

SPECIAL REPORT: Social Media & Comparison Culture

In today's hyper-connected world, young people are constantly exposed to carefully curated snapshots of other people's lives - from picture-perfect holidays and academic achievements to the latest fashion trends and fitness goals. This relentless stream of comparisons, often amplified through social media, creates what is known as comparison culture.

 

Comparison culture fosters a mindset where individuals constantly evaluate their own worth by measuring themselves against others. This leaves many young people feeling as though they're falling short. For children and adolescents who are still developing their sense of identity, this environment can be especially harmful - contributing to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt and anxiety.

 

It's important to understand how comparison culture shapes the way children see themselves and their place in the world. When young people constantly compare their appearance, achievements, or social lives to their peers or online influencers, they can develop unrealistic expectations and a distorted sense of self-worth. This can lead to low self-esteem, perfectionism, and a constant need for external validation.

 

However, through open conversations, positive role modelling, and proactive support, families can empower young people to build the resilience and confidence needed to navigate today's comparison-driven world. Encouraging an environment that values individuality, personal effort, and growth - rather than constant comparison or external validation - helps foster a stronger sense of self that allows young people to embrace their unique strengths and identity.

 

 

Click on the link here to watch a video on strategies and recommendations 

 

 

 

Our Futures Anti-Vaping Course for Year 7 and 8

We are pleased to inform you that our Year 7 and 8 students have recently participated in the OurFutures Vaping Prevention Program—an innovative, evidence-based initiative designed to educate young people about the risks of vaping and empower them to make informed decisions.Our Futures Institute+11Our Futures Institute+11Our Futures Institute+11

Developed by the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, the program is aligned with the Australian Health and Physical Education curriculum and is currently being rolled out nationwide with support from the Australian Government. Our Futures Institute+5Our Futures Institute+5Our Futures Institute+5

The program comprises four engaging lessons, each featuring:Our Futures Institute+2Our Futures Institute+2Our Futures Institute+2

Through these lessons, students learn about:

The program adopts a social influence and harm-minimisation approach, aiming to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate real-world situations involving vaping. Our Futures Institute+3Our Futures Institute+3Our Futures Institute+3

Initial evaluations have shown promising results, with students demonstrating reduced intentions to vape and improved understanding of the associated risks. Our Futures Institute+1Our Futures Institute+1

We encourage you to discuss the program with your child and explore the resources available at the OurFutures Institute website: Our Futures Institute.

Together, we can support our students in making healthy, informed choices.Our Futures Institute

 

 

 

Inaugural Athletics Carnival – What a Fantastic Day!

House Assembly 

We are thrilled to share that our inaugural Athletics Carnival was a huge success! The excitement was palpable as students gave their best, participating with enthusiasm and a spirit of fun. The vibrant house spirit was on full display, making for a memorable day of friendly competition and teamwork.

At our recent Athletics Carnival Assembly, we proudly presented our house champions and announced our very first overall House Champion. A huge congratulations to Da Vinci House (Purple Team) for their outstanding performance!

We would also like to extend a big thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event such a wonderful celebration of school spirit.

Well done, everyone!

 

 

Empowering Year 11 Students Through Education on Drugs and Vaping

 

As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and safety, our Year 11 students recently participated in a session delivered by Life Education Australia, focusing on the important topics of Drugs and Vaping.

The session provided students with evidence-based information, helping them to critically examine the risks associated with vaping and drug use, and encouraging them to make informed and healthy decisions. Delivered in an engaging and age-appropriate way, the presentation explored social influences, misconceptions, and the long-term impacts of substance use.

Vaping, in particular, continues to be a growing concern among young people. Life Education Australia’s session opened the door for honest conversations and empowered students to consider their values, decisions, and the influence of peer pressure.

To support families in continuing these important conversations at home, we have provided parents and carers with additional resources via email. We also encourage you to visit our SchoolTV platform, where you’ll find a special report on vaping that includes expert advice, fact sheets, and helpful tips for navigating discussions with young people.

📌 Visit the special report here: https://stlukesmarsdenpark.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-vaping-au

At St Luke’s, we believe in partnering with families to support the growth of confident, healthy, and well-informed young people. Thank you for your continued support in helping us educate and guide our students to make positive life choices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peer Companions Program Commences: Building Friendship and Confidence

 

 Term 2, 2025 – Session 1: "What Makes a Good Friend?"

This week, our Year 8 Peer Companion Leaders officially launched their sessions with our Year 5 students, marking the beginning of Term 2's focus topic: "Building Friendship and Confidence."

The aim of this term’s program is to foster positive relationships, strengthen communication skills, and help students grow in confidence as they navigate the complexities of friendships during the primary school years.

The first session, titled “What Makes a Good Friend?”, invited students to reflect on the qualities that underpin genuine and lasting friendships. Together, they explored values such as kindness, honesty, empathy, respect, and the importance of being a good listener and a reliable friend.

Our Year 8 leaders demonstrated outstanding maturity and care as they facilitated the session. They thoughtfully designed and delivered a range of interactive activities that encouraged participation, teamwork, and meaningful discussion. These activities not only helped break the ice but also created a safe space for Year 5 students to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn from their older peers.

It was heartening to see the positive connections being formed, with Year 8 students modelling leadership, compassion, and encouragement throughout the session.

 

 

 

K–4 House Assembly: Learning the Chants for the Athletics Carnival!

In preparation for our upcoming Athletics Carnival, our K–4 students gathered for a fun and spirited House Assembly. During this exciting event, students from each house came together to learn and practice their unique house chants, building team spirit and camaraderie.

The energy in the room was contagious as students cheered, clapped, and chanted with enthusiasm, getting everyone pumped for the big day. Not only did they learn the words and actions for their house chants, but they also shared lots of laughter and excitement as they prepared to represent their houses with pride.