Wellbeing 

Dear Parents / Guardians,

As we look to wrap up 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve shared at the Academy this year.  The theme, “Stronger Together,” has truly resonated within our community, guiding us through challenges, celebrating achievements and laying the groundwork for the future.  This theme has been a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, collaboration and support.  From the outset of the year, we embraced the belief that strength doesn’t come from standing alone, but from the connections we form with one another.  This spirit has shaped our experiences, from the classroom to the sports field, through extracurricular activities and beyond.

One of the clearest demonstrations of being Stronger Together was seen in our student-led initiatives.  Whether organising charity events, running peer mentoring programs, or collaborating on artistic projects, our students proved that when we unite with a shared purpose, we can accomplish extraordinary things.  These efforts highlighted an important truth: the strength of a community lies in its ability to support each other, face challenges together, and celebrate collective success.

Looking ahead to 2025, the theme of “Pave the Way” invites us to consider the paths we are creating, both individually and as a community.  It calls us to not only continue building a strong, supportive environment, but to lead with intention, creating opportunities for growth and success for ourselves and others.  For me personally, Pave the Way means taking the lessons we’ve learned in 2024 and using them as stepping stones to shape the future.  It challenges us to think forward, to dream big and to take proactive steps to turn those dreams into reality.  It’s about fostering growth—not just for ourselves, but for those who will follow in our footsteps. 

I am really looking forward to being part of an Academy community that lives out this theme next year.

Mental Health

The Black Dog Institute is an Australian-based not-for-profit organisation that focuses on mental health and it is widely regarded as a leader in mental health research, education and clinical services.  The Institute has developed several digital health tools and apps to support mental health care.  These tools are designed to provide easy access to mental health resources and self-management strategies.  They also regularly run webinars and the last one for the year is taking place on Tuesday 12 December.  It is entitled ‘Teen Mental Health Matters’ - some details are below:

Audience:   Parents and carers of high-school aged young people

Duration:    60 mins

Modality:    Zoom webinar

‘Join us for an insightful and empowering webinar focused on providing strategies and resources to help you in supporting your teen’.  Co-hosted by a Clinical Psychologist facilitator and Black Dog Institute lived experience presenter, we will explore:

• How to make sense of adolescence
• Identify signs of mental health struggles
• Understand how to support your teen
• Know where you and your teen can get support

This webinar is free and open to all parents, caregivers and anyone interested in supporting the mental health of teens in their care.  Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey towards greater well-being for you and your family!

If you are interested in attending or interested in other comprehensive  resources, please click on this link https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/education-services/schools/parents/

As we approach Christmas, I sincerely hope that each of our Academy families are able to have a truly special and restful break.  2024 has been a year of great success and I’m sure we’re all eager to build on everything that we’ve achieved while welcoming the exciting opportunities that 2025 will bring.  Thank you for your support and dedication throughout the year.  Wishing you all a joyful and safe Christmas, and may the New Year be filled with fresh opportunities, happiness and grace.

Mr Sam Di Camillo

Deputy Principal – Wellbeing & Operations