Director of Pastoral Care
‘Young people are at the Highest Risk of mental health problems, yet are the least likely to reach out for help’ this insightful comment by Dr Debra Rickwood is only one of the reasons the MCC Pastoral team are continually noticing and asking young people how we can best support them. Some key elements of support that we also encourage at home are:
-Keep communication open
- Be available
- Spend time with the person
- Take their feelings seriously
- Encourage and support positive friendships
- Encourage activities that promote mental health
- Give positive feedback
- Let the person know that you love them
(Headspace 2018)
Active interest, empathy and encouragement of activities that support good mental health are three key factors that have driven a number of activities recently undertaken at the College.
YR 11 REFLECTION DAY
On Thursday the 5th of July, Chris Doyle visited the College to facilitate the Yr 11 Reflection Day. Chris is an exceptional presenter and students responded well to his facilitation and encouragement. Chris used his musical talent to connect with our students as well as sharing his life experiences and humour. The Yr 11 students bonded through dance, movement and music in an enthusiastic and positive manner. This day was a valuable experience as students were reminded of the importance of self-reflection, teamwork and communication to support each other through their senior years at the College. Thank you to Mr James Moore the Yr 11 Coordinator for organising the event.
STRESS DOWN DAY
On Friday 27th July, the Yr 11 Well-Being Committee hosted their annual ‘Stress Down Day’. The students sold Donuts at the ‘DoNut Worry stand’ with over 200 Donuts donated by Donut King. They then organised three sessions to run during period five to allow students to take advantage of the benefits of exercise, relaxation and music in managing stress and anxiety. Ar’e Abera once again generously donated his time to run a Zumba session with over 200 students, while others took advantage of the relaxation/meditation session run by our College Counsellor Rowena Gilbey, and a drumming session with Youth Links. The sessions raised over $600, which will be invested into mental health programs within the College. These programs will be designed to assist with the De-stigmatisation of important issues and to raise awareness and start conversations about issues related to young people.
Yr 9 AND 10 ENLIGHTENED EDUCATION
On the 3rd and 4th of July Enlightened Education visited the College to work with our Year 9 and 10 students. The students were divided into gender groups to discuss issues related to their gender the girls explored issues such as; how do we make friends? Whom should we make friends with? How should friendships be maintained? How do we decide if a friendship is helping or harming, personal safety and boundaries, managing conflict, and loving the skin they are in a digital world that challenges self-perception?
While the boys focussed on the most common and damaging myths about boys and strategies to develop positive ways to move beyond stereotypes. Topics such as boys and respectful relationships, boys and body image, boys and emotions, boys and conflict management, boys and technology, deconstructing gender stereotypes and boys and were covered.
These sessions were incredibly valuable and we received overwhelming enthusiasm from the students that took part on the day.
Lora Segrave
Director of Pastoral Care