WELLBEING

Empowering Students with Knowledge: Affirmative Consent, Laws on Sharing Intimate Images and what Sextortion is.

This week, our Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students were given the valuable opportunity to attend a presentation led by Allie Collyer, a Community Legal Education Worker from Mallee Family Care. The session was an important part of our commitment to ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge to make informed and respectful decisions regarding affirmative consent and the legal implications of sharing intimate images.

Allie provided clear and insightful information, expanding our students' understanding of what consent is, why it's essential, and the laws surrounding it. The session focused on empowering students with the tools to navigate relationships responsibly, emphasising respect, communication, and mutual understanding.

Each session was age appropriate and adjusted for each audience. Through the discussion of real-world scenarios and legal frameworks, the presentation helped our students gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of consent in all interactions. We are grateful to Allie for leading this important conversation and for providing our students with the knowledge and resources to make informed choices in the future.

Year 10 Big Sister Experience and Man Cave Programs: A Day of Growth, Connection, and Wellbeing

This week, our Year 10 students participated in two fantastic programs designed to promote healthy wellbeing, empathy, and personal growth. The girls joined the Big Sister Experience program, while the boys spent their day with the Man Cave program. It was an inspiring and enriching experience for everyone involved, packed with opportunities to learn, share, and build stronger connections with peers.

Big Sister Experience: A Day of Team Building and Self-Discovery

The girls participated in the Big Sister Experience, where the day focused on exploring self-awareness, self-nurture, personal boundaries, body image, and supporting the sisterhood. Throughout the program, students engaged in a range of interactive activities designed to build confidence, connection, and self-understanding.

Across the sessions, the girls explored what it means to practise self-nurture and how looking after their wellbeing can positively impact their learning, friendships, and overall happiness. They discussed the importance of personal boundaries and developed strategies for recognising, setting, and respecting boundaries in different relationships and situations.

The program also included important conversations around body image, encouraging students to think critically about social pressures, self-perception, and the importance

of positive self-talk. These discussions helped foster confidence, self-acceptance, and empathy for others.

A strong focus of the day was on supporting the sisterhood, encouraging the girls to lift each other up, celebrate each other’s successes, and create a supportive and inclusive environment. Through group discussions, reflection activities, and collaborative tasks, students strengthened their connections and built a sense of belonging within the group.

Overall, the day provided students with practical strategies, opportunities for reflection, and meaningful conversations that supported both their personal growth and their connections with others.

Man Cave: Building Empathy and Understanding

Meanwhile, the boys spent their day immersed in the Man Cave program, a space designed to foster deep reflection and meaningful conversations. The program opened with circle sharing, where the boys had the chance to open up, connect, and discuss topics that were important to them.

A key focus of the day was Calling Up, Not Calling Out, a workshop that addressed disrespectful behaviour by exploring the impact of actions rather than labelling them as ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ This approach encourages the boys to reflect on how their actions affect both themselves and others, fostering a more thoughtful, respectful, and empathetic mindset.

The boys also participated in games and activities designed to spark engagement and create spaces for real conversations. They explored tools to make life a little easier and shared stories from their own lived experiences. This not only helped deepen their understanding of one another but also gave them the confidence to handle challenging situations with empathy and maturity.

Overall, it was a day full of growth, connection, and fun. Both programs allowed our students to explore essential life skills, share meaningful experiences, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers. We're so proud of the way everyone engaged with the activities and contributed to creating such a positive and supportive atmosphere.

We look forward to seeing the lasting impact these programs will have on our students as they continue to grow, connect, and support one another.

Jorgen Leschke

Director of Wellbeing