Year 12 Pastoral Guardian

Wellbeing

There is a plethora of research on wellbeing and strategies that schools use to assist young people to navigate their world safely, form healthy relationships with self and others, and find their identity, voice, and self-belief. I attended, and presented at, the Adolescent Success and Wellbeing Conference in Brisbane in 2019 and one presenter, Pascale Drever, stated that, “wellbeing is not a trend, it is not a fashion, and it will not be out of date next year. It is universally known that, as human beings, if we feel good, we function well, we will be well beings”. Our college pastoral environment, personal development program, and cocurricular experiences afford our young people so many opportunities to develop social-emotional literacy to prepare for their present and future happiness and success.

This term, the Year 12 Personal Development Program's focus is empowerment. Students have been viewing interviews with successful women across sectors who share their golden tips about pursuing goals, overcoming obstacles, finding a balanced life, believing in yourself, and being the 'authentic you'. Students have been engaging in discussions, and some groups have created and displayed around the College their own motivating quotes that drive them such as: “Find the positive within the negative”; “Allow your passions to drive you”; “There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking”; ”If you have a dream, don’t just sit there. Gather courage to believe that you can succeed and leave no stone unturned to make it a reality”, and “Just keep swimming”. This culminated in students creating video clips of 'advice to younger self' just as they had viewed in world champion Lane Beachley’s video to her younger self. A range of visiting speakers - some recent past students and other adults - has also been arranged by counsellors to share with our Year 12s how they managed challenges and increasing independence, and highlights and successes of life after school. Our focus has been on strategies to improve wellbeing and to become empowered.

This week’s Swimming Carnival was a perfect example of the cocurricular college experiences that contribute to wellbeing, enabling students to engage and connect. It was a day brimming with laughter, cheers, excellent house participation, and outstanding, spirited leadership and participation by the Year 12s in house costumes. I always like to share with you students’ opinions and this week’s theme is about how such events contribute to their wellbeing:

Being surrounded by a supportive environment boosts wellbeing, which is what I enjoyed about being involved within the Swimming Carnival. Olivia Evans

I think the Swimming Carnival - or any sport event - is a great way for students to socialise with each other whilst still receiving health and physical benefits. Victoria Ah San

The Swimming Carnival really brought spirits up for my friends and me. as we had been stressed about school work so having a fun time swimming together and bonding took our minds off it. Mikaela Casey

Due to it being the final swimming carnival ever, I felt more involved as I was trying to make it one of my favourite final year's memories. Mollie Lambert

Allira Rolph shared that such events are a way to have fun at school and hang out with friends while Emily Brogan emphasised the importance of exercise and being outdoors having fun.

Hannah Nolan’s response was that the Swimming Carnival involvement increases endorphins and makes a stronger community and relationships between year levels, and that out-of-school activities and outreach contribute to wellbeing and expands our horizons.

Lauren Cooper agreed, recognising outreach activities such as the Caritas Walk as being important for wellbeing, community, and connectedness.

Belonging to a sporting team builds wellbeing. Teanna Carius

Home Room is a major contributor to wellbeing as a personal space to connect with others and speak about your feelings. Brielle Seymour

The student responses above certainly support the research stated above that, “as human beings, if we feel good, we function well, we will be well beings”. A common feeling was the importance of connectedness and belonging to a community to enhance wellbeing.

Participating in sports camps such as the Multisport Camp last week, the musical, FCIP, and cultural clubs all contribute to a sense of finding your tribe. Peer Support students are also promoting a fundraiser for the International Day of Happiness on 20 March, so wellbeing is being shared around in your daughter's holistic education.

Today’s Sports Assembly, led by the Sports Committee and Sports Captain Emma Winstanley, was further evidence of wellbeing as champions and winning houses were celebrated (congratulations, the whole of Perugia and Captain Mollie Lambert). The whole assembly, led by Captains, Spirit Squad, and Spirit Captain Bianca Celere, learned the amazing CaSSSA Spirit dance, ending this week on a highlight. Tillie Weinert (Spoleto Captain) said it was breathtaking seeing the participation of all the year levels in the assembly from the stage. Spirit abounded today and these are the moments of college life we remember.