Student wellbeing

It has been an absolute delight to welcome our students back to Shelford over the last week. I am thrilled with the way our students have navigated the beginning of the academic year, after what has undoubtedly been a difficult 2020 and 2021. The consensus amongst students seems to be that they are so grateful to be back and able to interact with their friends, teachers and the Shelford community in person! Indeed, it has also been a delight to welcome parents and guardians on site for a range of events and to learn more about our students and their families. I look forward to meeting more families in the coming weeks and to continue to strengthen our home-school partnerships.

Wellbeing Mentors

Shelford students flourish because they learn in a community that nurtures, stimulates and challenges them, and in which they are encouraged to be courageous. Our students are able to explore, to be curious and to try out new things in a supportive, positive environment, where high standards and the pursuit of excellence are part of the historical fabric of the School. 

The Wellbeing Mentor (WBM) is a central member of the Year Level Team. They will work closely with the Year Level Coordinator to support the students in their Homegroup and to deliver the Quaerite Wellbeing Program. The WBM will also work closely with the students in the Homegroup and their parents/guardians. They will liaise with other Shelford staff as required. In most cases the WBM will be the first port of call for wellbeing matters related to the students in their Homegroup. 

I am pleased to introduce 2022 Senior School Wellbeing Mentors below:

Student attendance

If your daughter is going to be absent from school please email absences@shelford.vic.edu.au including your daughter’s name, class and reason for absence. Please do not email Wellbeing Mentors or Class Teachers directly as given their other responsibilities, they will not always be able to respond to the information in a timely manner.

Uniform: Senior School

Academic uniform

Students are mostly wearing the uniform very well and I thank parents for their support in this regard. Further to my January letter, I ask that you please ensure that your daughter only wears the permitted jewellery to school and that her hair is worn up, if longer than collar length. In addition, students must have their Shelford school bag and blazer each day.

Sport uniform

In 2022, students in Year 7–12 may wear their Sport Uniform to and from school on days when they have either Physical Education or Sport. This decision has been made in response to some of the challenges around changing at school given the current COVID-19 landscape. Students are asked to ensure that the Sport uniform is worn correctly and that pieces from the academic and sport uniforms are not worn together.

Resources

Article: How to manage school anxiety: What children and teens need from us

In this article Karen Young, Psychologist, shares some helpful ideas to support young people struggling to get to school.

All the best for the year ahead!

Pauline Cutajar

Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing and Development