Student Wellbeing
Preparing for a positive school transition
As we enter Flying Start and begin the transition into a new school year, it's important to take a mindful approach and set your intentions for what you would like to achieve.
Our Wellbeing Coordinator, Scott Cadby shares his top ten tips for preparing a positive start.
1.Have a positive mindset
There's much to be excited about a new school year. Build your anticipation by thinking about all the new opportunities that a new year brings. Whether it's the opportunity to meet new people, build on your friendships, or the opportunity to have a fresh start by reflecting on any learnings.
2. Be organised
Every aspect at school will be smoother when you’re organised. Make sure you have all your requirements sorted before you begin - your uniform, text books, stationery, a quiet and tidy study space at home, to booking study time and social time into your calendar.
3. Consider your plans and goals
Reflect on the previous school year and consider what you would like to achieve this coming year. You might want to be involved in more extracurricular activities, improve your homework/study routine, avoid distractions in the classroom, ask for help more when needed, or build more balance into your daily and weekly routine.
4. Time management and prioritising
Most students have more than just school on their plates. It could be sport commitments, casual jobs, music or drama rehearsals. Creating a balance is what is most important and as such it’s critical to consider what you would like to do in addition to school and what is actually possible. Especially for our senior students, it would be wise to not take on too much in addition to school. It might help to draw up a weekly timetable to ensure that students have enough time for everything, including time for a rest.
5. Seek advice from those with experience
If possible, speak to an older student about the challenges and opportunities you are about to face in your new year level. What did they learn? What would they do differently?
6. Don’t compare yourself to others
We’re all different and have different strengths and weaknesses. While it is human nature to compare ourselves to others, often this only makes us feel worse about who we are and what we are achieving. Focus on your own unique skills, positive attributes and build on any changes or improvements you'd like to make.
7. Prepare for some stress and adversity
Life can be like a rollercoaster at times. We all experience challenges and adversity. While we cannot eliminate all stressors, we can develop a toolbox of coping strategies to use during these times. It could be listening to music, practicing mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, drawing, physical activity or talking to someone when we need help.
8. Get the basics right
For optimal health and wellbeing, young people especially need good nutrition, good hydration, plenty of sleep, exposure to the outdoors, and some form of regular physical activity to remain healthy. By prioritising all of these things, you should expect to feel better mentally and physically.
9. Give yourself time to settle in
Any form of transition can be challenging and many people do not like change. Allow yourself time to settle into the new routine – you will get there! Even if it takes longer than you would like. Be patient with yourself.
10. Remember you’re not alone
Sometimes, we get to a stage where we need to reach out for help - and this is more than okay! At these times, always reach out to a family member, friend, homeroom or tutor group teacher, year level or house coordinator OR contact one of our Student Wellbeing counsellors for professional and confidential help. We're all here to support you!
Kids Helpline @ Secondary Schools
Our Year 7 students at Mentone Campus got to take part in an interactive counselling session conducted by Kids Helpline to mark its national launch of Kids Helpline @ Secondary Schools in November.
The session focussed on Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and normalising asking for help when we need it. Kids Helpline has shared the following resources with St Bede's College to help students stay attuned to their feelings and learn tips on self care.
ContactKids Helpline anytime, 24/7
Phone Counselling here
Web Chat Counselling here
Scott Cadby PACFA Reg. Clinical (21605)
BA (Psych) MPsychotherapyCouns
Wellbeing Coordinator