Student Wellbeing
From the Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing
Building student wellbeing through resilience and self esteem are the cornerstone of our work in the wellbeing team. It is through positive self regard and belief that students can grow and flourish as learners. Our wellbeing structures and practices at MSJ are designed to empower our learners to be engaged, empowered and independent in their learning. Over the past four weeks we have undertaken a number of initiatives to promote community and personal responsibility. This term we have had many wellbeing lessons and times with our Learning Mentors that have reinforced our relationships and built the life and heart of the MSJ community.
At the core of our Catholic education is the value of deep and life giving relationships. It is in these relationships that we experience the depth of our faith and the humanity of one another. To live fully and justly is bearing witness to our faith.
Last month we had Jonny Shannon speak to students in two assemblies: one for students in Years 7 - 9 and another for our Senior Learners. The focus of the forums was safe online behaviours and respecting oneself and others on line. Jonny grew up in South Auckland, New Zealand. He found school extremely difficult, having undiagnosed dyslexia and other disabilities which led him to failing all his subjects. Jonny was also bullied time and time again. After overreacting too many times, Jonny was finally expelled for fighting too much and not showing up to school. It was not until his last school that a counsellor took him aside to work through some of the key issues he was facing. The difference for Jonny was from “night to day”. He quickly turned his academic performance around and focused on his emotional wellbeing. Surprised in the difference seeing a counsellor made, he committed to doing youth work to help other students like him in the future.
After a short time in the NZ Army, Jonny moved to Australia to become a qualified youth worker. He later took some time off and co-started four companies; one of which was ‘Pushpay’, an app that helps people give to charities (now on the ASX and one of the top 50 fastest growing SasS companies in Australian history, worth over $1 Billion). He took this success and resources to re-dedicate his life to full-time youth work, this time focusing on interviewing youth-psychologists and speaking at schools on various health topics. Since going full-time in 2013, Jonny has spoken over 2,200 times to over 370 schools (more than any other independent speaker in Australia), speaking up to 27 times a week. He has spoken at some of the largest events in the southern hemisphere including; National Young Leaders Day, Easter Camp, Universities, Principal Conferences and Corporate Events alongside key note speakers from Facebook and Twitter.
All of his Health presentations have been checked & passed the Australian Educational & Analysis consulting standard and he is a certified presenter for the Office of the safety commission. Our learners, both junior and senior, responded well to his presentation and ideas.
As part of the National Day Against Bulling and Violence the Year 11 VCAL class surveyed the whole school community to develop a deeper understanding and awareness about bullying at MSJ. The students employed a google survey and were able to quickly gain insights and findings. The students are currently preparing a presentation for each of the Wellbeing Leaders that will highlight key concerns and the students have designed strategies to eliminate perceived bullying. The survey results did support the Wellbeing Teams view that experiences of bullying at MSJ are few but students do know where to seek support and guidance.
Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents or carers to know what to do when their child talks to them about bullying. You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens.
Stopping bullying involves everyone.
If your child talks to you about bullying:
Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they’ve told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need to: who, what, where, when.
Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child.
Reassure your child they are not to blame.
Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse. You could say things like, ‘That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.’ or ‘I’m so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that’s not fair at all’.
Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.
Visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practice strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.
Contact the College. Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help. Make an appointment to meet with your child’s Learner Mentor and, if you need to, ask to talk with the Wellbeing Leader or House Leader.
Check in regularly with your child. Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important.
If you are looking for support for yourself to deal with a bullying situation, you will find ideas on the Bullying. No Way! website for parents.
Our Supportive Friends have formed a partnership with St Mary’s Altona and were invited to speak to the Grade 5 & 6 students about online and mobile phone safety. The students presented three workshops whilst the primary students rotated through the activities. The students worked closely with Ms Morlin, Ms Dorgan and Ms Bourke. We are looking forward to our students present the same workshops to our Year 7 Students. Leaders from Year 11 continue to work with our new students. This is an important aspect in supporting our young women in their transition to their new school. I am sure that much has been gained through this new program and are excited to see how the program unfolds.
Upcoming Events
Grandfriends’ Day
Keep a look out in your inbox for the upcoming Grandfriends’ Morning Tea to be held at 10.00am on Thursday 3 May. This event is for students in Year 7 only to bring their Grandfriends to the College for a tour and to share a complimentary morning tea.
D&M@MSJ is our parent seminar workshops, this is term we focus on the relationships young girls share with a significant woman – mother, sister, aunt. This evening provides opportunities for young people to share sacred time with a significant female. Keep Tuesday 29 May this event is aimed at students in Years 7 – 12.. This year we have invited Dr David Collins. David is a local psychologist exploring the theme of resilience and the adolescent learner.. David will work with both our students and their female support person. Upon David’s workshop the forum will explore personal relationships. More information about David can be found at: http://davidcollins.com.au/?page=about
Winter Uniform
Students will be given the first week of term 2, to either wear their winter uniform or summer dress. Students should not combine the two uniforms. All students are expected to be in the full winter uniform by Monday 23 April. Students can only wear white long socks with the winter kilt or navy or opaque tights.