Parent Corner

Year 10 Pastoral Guardian

Welcome to the 2020 school year!  It has been fabulous to welcome all Year 10s back and to see their fresh faces full of eagerness as they settle into a new routine.

 

One of the main goals for the Year 10 cohort this year is to live by the WISDOM – SURVIVE – FLOURISH model.  Students will be encouraged to reflect on the WISDOM they have gained from previous years and the wisdom shared with them by teachers, family, and friends.  Students will apply this wisdom as a tool to SURVIVE.  I reflect even on our first week and the theme that seems to be coherent in all conversations is the ‘fresh new approach to starting the year’.  The Year 10s want to do things right for themselves with their studies, life balance, wellbeing, and friendships, and I commend this positive attitude.  I have been impressed by their ability already to apply the wisdom they have, and there is no doubt they will not only survive the year, they will FLOURISH.

During the year, in my conversations with each student, I will be focusing on three main areas of wellbeing.  You may wish to apply these three areas - particularly the language - during your own conversations:

  1. Care for themselves – Focusing on the inner wellbeing and respect for themselves by targeting the basics: getting a decent night’s sleep each night, eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly, positive self-talk, and taking time to stop and be calm.
  2. Emotional Intelligence – “Don’t let the cookie crumble”.  Students will be more intrinsically aware of themselves (physical and emotional signs) when things start to become unbalanced. The goal is to learn to act on it immediately, rather than letting it all fall apart and then seeking help. 
  3. Spirit – “For it is in giving we receive”.  Students will be active participants in the Mount Alvernia community by being involved in one or more of the many Outreach groups, sporting and cultural opportunities, Service Learning, and/or volunteering in the college events throughout the year. By doing this they will feel more connected, which in turn will boost confidence and self-esteem.

I look forward to supporting the Year 10 parent group throughout the year.  I hope to provide you with useful tips and advice, plus many stories of success and joy.

 

Tamara Richardson

Conversation Starters

  1. What should we do for your room to create a special calming space?
  2. How are your new subjects going?
  3. What cocurricular activity are you going to join this year?