Student Wellbeing

In the Senior School, our major topic for discussion in Wellbeing this term has been ‘self’. As we begin the year afresh, it is so important that we develop our self-awareness by taking the necessary time to listen to ourselves and to consider what strategies we need for self-care. 

This theme was echoed in our first of four Wellbeing days last Wednesday. This day, strategically placed at the halfway point of term to act as a circuit breaker, was an opportunity for each year group to think about the challenges they may face this year, to realise the importance of connection and relationships, and to try out some new strategies for self-care. 

In Year 7 our students were taken through a yoga session by local instructors before learning about the history of Indigenous Art, and developing an art work as a mentor group. They also heard from Cybersafety experts ySafe on how to keep themselves and others safe online, before finishing the day interviewing each other as part of an extended writing task on ‘self’.

In Year 8 our students spent the day learning how to behave appropriately online. Yasmin London from ySafe began the day with an informative talk on strategies to mitigate challenging circumstances online before Jane Heffernan, our School Liasion Police Officer, explained the law and our rights online. The students then spent the afternoon creating a short movie on how to keep yourself and others safe online, whilst also visiting the hospitality kitchen to create a healthy bento box for their afternoon snack.

In Year 9 our students began the day with a talk from Batyr on the importance of conversations and seeking help. This was generously funded by the Orange Elephant Ball, which our very own Alice Bowman had a major part in organising. Alice spoke to the students about why this topic was important to her and why she and her friends on the committee were passionate about raising funds for Batyr. Following this session our Year 9s learnt about the importance of sleep from Lisa Maltman (Sleep Connection), before finishing the day practising their ducking and weaving as part of a session on self-defence with Pollets Martial Arts.

In Year 10 our students spent the morning learning from our very own psychologists, Bec Anderson and Amy Newsom, about Youth Mental Health First Aid. The aim of this session was to increase their self-awareness of mental health concerns and to equip them with the practical tools to help a friend. Following this, several of our Year 10 musicians performed to their cohort whilst the students took time out together to enjoy afternoon tea.

Our Year 11s and 12s began the day with a Senior Years brunch, during which they were partnered up to allow the Year 11s to ask questions of our Year 12s about their journey towards the end of school. Following this, our Year 12s headed off to hear from a number of our amazing alumni who each shared their fascinating journeys after school. Our Year 11s heard from Alice and Batyr during the middle session, before the entire Senior Years cohort came together to consider their sleep patterns and strategies for improvement with Lisa Maltman.