Wellbeing

A Year of Wellbeing in Review

The Importance of Student Wellbeing at St. Luke’s Catholic College

At St. Luke’s, we believe that student wellbeing is essential for academic success, personal growth, and fostering a vibrant and nurturing school environment. When students feel supported, connected, and valued, they are better equipped to face challenges, build resilience, and reach their potential in all areas of life.

The Role of Wellbeing ProgramsOngoing wellbeing initiatives and activities are vital for promoting a thriving school community. These programs:

Build Resilience: Equip students with strategies to manage stress and adapt to change.
Foster Connections: Encourage meaningful relationships with peers, teachers, and the wider community.
Enhance Emotional Intelligence: Help students understand and regulate their emotions effectively.
Support Academic Achievement: Create an environment where students feel safe and focused, leading to improved learning outcomes.

Data-Driven Wellbeing PracticesA key aspect of our wellbeing approach at St. Luke’s is the continuous use of data to inform and enhance our strategies. Tools like Skodel allow us to regularly check in with students, gaining valuable insights into their emotional, social, and academic wellbeing. These insights enable our staff to:

Identify students who may need additional support.
Tailor interventions to address specific challenges.
Develop stronger relationships by showing students that their voices are heard and valued.

By combining these data-driven practices with regular conversations and care, we have built a culture where students feel supported and understood, ensuring that no child slips through the cracks.

St. Luke’s Leading the Way in WellbeingIn 2024, St. Luke’s has been at the forefront of wellbeing initiatives, aligning closely with the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) Wellbeing Framework. This holistic framework has guided us in creating a supportive environment that nurtures every student’s spiritual, emotional, and physical development.

Key initiatives this year include:

Peer Companions Program: Empowering older students to mentor and support their younger peers.
Social-Emotional Learning Programs: Activities like Active Achievers and Top Blokes help students develop resilience, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
Community Engagement: promote compassion and social responsibility.
Tools for Inclusion and Support: Initiatives like the Buddy Bench and leadership programs cultivate a sense of belonging and community spirit. Our New Kids on the Block ensures that our newly enrolled students are well looked after and catered for when they first commence at the College.
An explicit curriculum for wellbeing: Wellbeing Wednesdays assist students by focusing on specific issues and topics of wellbeing

These initiatives reflect our commitment to creating a school where every student feels valued and empowered to grow as a confident, capable individual.

A Shared Commitment to WellbeingWe recognsze that student wellbeing is a shared responsibility among the school, families, and the broader community. By working together, we can continue to provide a nurturing environment where all students thrive.

Thank you for supporting St. Luke’s as we prioritise wellbeing and strengthen our mission to support the holistic growth of every child.

The Introduction of the New Kids On The Block Program

The New Kids on the Block program has been a cornerstone of our efforts to welcome and support new students as they join our growing school community. Designed to help students feel at home and foster a sense of belonging from the start, the program ensures a smooth transition into school life.

With St Luke's rapid growth, we’ve seen a significant intake of new students across the College this year.

It has been a joy to see our new students thrive, and we are proud of the welcoming culture this program continues to build!

Year 9 Walk the Talk Program

Earlier this year, our Year 9 students participated in the Walk the Talk program, a transformative initiative fostering personal growth and addressing key adolescent issues. The boys engaged in the Goodfellas program, which challenged stereotypes, promoted emotional expression, and encouraged healthy relationships, while the girls took part in the Girl Essentials workshop, exploring themes of self-esteem, resilience, and empathy. Both programs were highly impactful, equipping students with essential life skills and fostering meaningful discussions that will guide them through adolescence with confidence and integrity.

PARRAMATTA DIOCESE “LIFTED” LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Lifted Leaders was a part of a special opportunity organised by the diocese with the aim of bringing the diocese’s school leaders together to share ideas and enhance each individual's ability to lead through Christ. They were were able to collaborate with a variety of schools in our diocese and share the initiatives we were running as leaders.

Here is a photo of our House Leaders with Bishop Vincent:

Wellbeing, Community, and Spirit Week – A Celebration of Growth and Connection

From the 18th to the 22nd of March, our school came alive with Wellbeing, Community, and Spirit Week, a dedicated initiative to promote holistic development and foster a positive school culture.

Students enthusiastically participated in a variety of activities aimed at enhancing their mental health, social-emotional learning, and sense of community. Highlights of the week included engaging programs on wellbeing, interactive activities that built positive relationships, and a vibrant celebration of Harmony Day. This special day allowed us to embrace cultural diversity and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures within our school.

The week was a resounding success, and we are grateful for the support and participation that made it such a memorable experience for our school community!

Peer Companions Program – A Year of Growth and Resilience

This year, the Peer Companions Program was a resounding success, with our Year 8 students leading Year 5 students through an enriching peer support initiative. Focused on fostering resilience, the program created a supportive environment where younger students could explore key themes such as managing challenges, building confidence, and developing positive relationships. The leadership and guidance shown by our Year 8 students were truly commendable, as they acted as mentors and role models, strengthening bonds across year levels and contributing to a positive school culture. This program continues to be a highlight of our efforts to nurture connection, growth, and resilience within our community.

Peer Companion Leaders team 2024

Community and Spirit Week 2024 – A Celebration of Wellbeing, Diversity, and Growth

Community and Spirit Week was a resounding success, offering students across K-12 opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. The week began with engaging activities such as the interactive theatre production Zanna and the Lost Code for Years 3 and 4, fostering discussions on values, respect, and online responsibility. Recess and lunchtime house activities throughout the week helped build team spirit and camaraderie.

Midweek highlights included a multicultural celebration where students mapped their cultural origins and embraced the diversity of St. Luke’s through activities like “The Wellbeing Show” for younger students and sessions led by the Police Liaison Officer for Years 7–12 on important topics like cyber safety and vaping. Year 7 students participated in the gender-specific Shine and Excel programs, empowering them to embrace their full potential and develop positive habits.

As the week drew to a close, Harmony Day brought the entire community together in a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, featuring performances, student-created garlands, and interactive activities. Students also engaged in age-specific programs, including the Goodfellas and Girl Essentials workshops, which emphasized personal growth, resilience, and healthy relationships. The week encapsulated the spirit of St. Luke’s, fostering inclusivity, resilience, and a sense of belonging for all.

International Womens Day Breakfast

Storytime at Adventure Playground

Students from School of Foundation were able to listen to stories that fantastic wellbeing messages.

Some times students would create little posters to show what they understood about the stories and how they can put the good habits into real life situations

Just Like You is a disability awareness program designed to build understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. Through celebrating differences, developing empathy, and creating inclusion, students learn that people with a disability are the same as everyone else – they are ‘Just Like You’. Our Year 7 students and students from Arrunga attended this workshop

Anzac Day Dawn Service

Senior Ethics Olympiad

Our school participated in the annual Ethics Olympiad. The Ethics Olympiad is an international competition designed to engage students in deep and meaningful discussions about ethical dilemmas. It provides a platform for students to collaboratively analyze and articulate their perspectives on various ethical issues, promoting critical thinking, respectful dialogue, and teamwork.

The Introduction of School TV and the Parent and Community Launch

https://stlukesmarsdenpark.catholic.schooltv

ThinkUKNow Parent Information Session

Parents and the Community came together in June to discuss and find out more about the evidence-based education initiative aimed at preventing online child sexual exploitation. This evening was a fantastic opportunity for all of us to gain a deeper understanding of the online environment that our young people navigate every day.

Crazy Hat Day

Einsteins ‘Crazy Hat Day’ encouraged creativity and individuality. Students were invited to wear imaginative hats to school that day, expressing their uniqueness and supporting our fundraiser.

In addition to ‘Crazy Hat Day’, students will engage in mentor activities, fostering collaboration and personal growth, inspired by St. Vincent de Paul and Albert Einstein.

National Day Against Bullying

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is an important event on the school calendar, reminding us of the impact of bullying and the role each of us plays in preventing it. Students took part in an anti-bullying activity. Every student was given a strip of colored paper and encouraged to write or draw a positive message or an example of how to be an upstander—someone who supports and stands up for others who are being bullied. The colorful strips were then linked together to form a massive ‘Everyone Belongs’ garland, which was proudly displayed in our Marketplace. This vibrant and powerful visual symbolised our collective commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.

Year 7 students engaged in Intercative performance on Cyberbullying and Mental Health

As part of the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, Year 7 students attended a live performance titled Wired, which explores critical issues such as cyberbullying, mental health, and the importance of resilience

The Kindergarten to Year 4 students and Arrunga students visited the Life Education bus to learn valuable social skills as part of the Healthy Harold program. This program is dedicated to equipping children with the essential tools they need to develop emotional and social intelligence, fostering their ability to thrive in relationships and cope with challenges as they grow.

Show Your Colours Day: A Celebration of Spirit, Culture, and Community

Our school community came together for "Show Your Colours Day," a special event designed to support both the mission of our school and strengthen the culture of our house system. Students arrived in vibrant displays of loyalty—whether donning the colors of their favorite sporting teams or proudly showcasing their house colours.

The day was packed with excitement, with recess and lunch buzzing with house activities like captain ball and tunnel ball. The atmosphere was filled with cheers, laughter, and a true sense of camaraderie as students gave their all in the name of house pride.

RUOK Day

A Magical Movie Night Brings Our School Community Together

Our school community together for some fun and relaxation. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as families, students, and staff gathered to enjoy the featured film and spend time together.

Introducing the New House Leaders

Training Our Year 5 students to become Kindy Buddies

Celebrating World Teachers' Day: A Heartfelt Gesture from Our Students

Our students organised a thoughtful tribute to every staff member at the College. Each teacher received a personalised, handwritten card thoughtfully crafted by our students and proudly displayed in the playground. Throughout the day, students eagerly added their own messages of thanks and appreciation, choosing to recognise teachers who have made a difference in their lives.

🎩 Hats off to our amazing teachers! Celebrating World Teachers' Day!

House Leaders workshops

‘Our House Leaders came together for an inspiring workshop led by dedicated teachers at our College, focused on the essentials of leadership and what it takes to be an effective student leader.