Acting Deputy Principal
Wellbeing and Emotional Intelligence in Our School Community
In last week’s article, I explored how our students are part of a global community through EREBB (Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders), learning to value diversity, act with compassion, and live the philosophy of Ubuntu across borders. This week, I want to bring that reflection closer to home, focusing on how Ubuntu shapes our approach to wellbeing and emotional intelligence within our own school community.
Ubuntu teaches us that “I am because we are.” It reminds us that our wellbeing is deeply connected to the wellbeing of others. When students feel safe, supported, and valued, they thrive and when they extend that care to others, they help build a culture of kindness and mutual respect.
Wellbeing begins with self-awareness. Students who understand their emotions are better equipped to manage stress, build resilience, and make thoughtful decisions. Emotional intelligence also means recognising the feelings of others, being able to listen, empathise, and respond with care.
Here are some simple yet powerful ways students can practise this:
Check in with themselves: How am I feeling today? What do I need to feel supported?
Reach out to others: Is there someone who might need a friend, a kind word, or a helping hand?
Create safe spaces: Can I help make our classroom or playground a place where everyone feels welcome?
These small acts of care, both inward and outward, help students build supportive relationships that strengthen our community.
When students care for themselves and others, they contribute to a culture where everyone feels seen and valued. This is the heart of Ubuntu: recognising that our individual wellbeing is tied to the wellbeing of those around us.
I want to acknowledge our College Prefects, who each afternoon at the bus lines reach out to others with a handshake and farewell. The power of this simple gesture is evident in the smiles of students who feel recognised and appreciated. A small act, yet it goes a long way.
As parents/carers and educators, we play a vital role in modelling emotional intelligence and nurturing supportive relationships. When we speak with kindness, listen with empathy, and prioritise wellbeing, we show our students and children what it means to live in a culture of care, and we all flourish together.
Jodie Connor
Acting Deputy Principal