Wellbeing Report

Saltwater College recently held a parent information session featuring John Hendry OAM, who has been deeply involved in relationship-based education with our secondary students, teachers, and parents. John took the opportunity to express his personal gratitude to each parent who participated in the session.

The main objective of the evening was to introduce parents to Relationship-based Education (RbE). RbE stands as a collaborative initiative with Parents Victoria, aiming to actively engage parents in the lifelong educational journey of their children. Recognising parents as crucial stakeholders, RbE emphasises their pivotal role in shaping the education, health, and overall well-being of their children.

Through RbE, the goal is to empower all children to cultivate resilient mindsets and gain a deeper understanding of the formation of relationships. Additionally, children learn essential skills to ensure their safety in various relationship encounters. Central to RbE are values of kindness and contribution, underlining the significance of relationships in every aspect of life.

The overarching message is clear: "Relationships matter," and it is essential for all individuals to comprehend this concept and actively contribute to creating positive and supportive connections in life. Parents are the pivotal stakeholders in their children’s developments but all adults in the neighbourhood do directly (teachers/coaches) or indirectly (other adults) have relationships with each child and these relationships must be of quality.  The old African saying “it takes a village to raise a child” holds fast however in the modern world that should read “it takes a neighbourhood to raise a child”, the Point Cook Neighbourhood.

Relationships matter always and quality relationships are founded upon trust, forgiveness, integrity (The Hippocratic Oath: first do no harm, and The Golden Rule: treat others and you want to be treated), hope, and Compassion (care).

John remains committed to collaborating with the school in implementing relationship-based learning practices. His focus will now extend to the primary sector, commencing from the next semester.