Wellbeing

A new Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Mobile Device Policy

Two weeks ago the College released information pertaining to our new Mobile Device Policy.  Response from parents has been one hundred percent positive.

Where to from here?

Further consultation is taking place to refine the Mobile Device Policy. The consultation process is progressing through the following checkpoints:

Checkpoint One:  March 15 College Advisory Council review the draft form of the policy. 

Checkpoint Two:  March 16 College Policy and Planning Committee review the draft form of the policy. 

Checkpoint Three: March 20 College Wellbeing Team and Curriculum Team review the draft form of the policy.

Checkpoint Four: March 27 College Staff view the draft form of the policy.

Checkpoint Five: March 28 Student Mission Team view draft form of the policy

Checkpoint Six: March 31 Mobile Device Policy draft shared with parents via College newsletter

The new policy is being developed after extensive consultation. Parents will be further informed before such a policy is implemented. Please ring the College and ask for John Ryan on 56624255 or email jryan@mmcrc.catholic.edu.au to enter further discussion.

Wellbeing Protocols and Procedures

During the course of the last eighteen months, the College has developed sets of Procedures and Protocols linked to the Child Safe Standards and the MMCRC Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

The College Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy stipulates in section 6.1 Roles and Responsibilities, Dot Point One that the Leadership will: 

• ensure that effective child safety and wellbeing governance, policies, procedures, codes, and practices are in place and followed 

Initiatives in the area of Child Safety and Wellbeing have included the following:

• Classroom Management Procedure
• Code Green: Missing Student Procedure
• Code Blue: Medical Emergency Procedure
• Loss of Power Non-Discreet Lockdown Procedure
• Wellbeing Response Procedures and Protocols
• Yard Duty Procedural Advice for Staff

The College continues to strive to allow teachers to facilitate student learning in a safe positive environment.

Wellbeing Card Protocols and Check-Ins with Wellbeing Staff

Recently key Wellbeing members have developed the Wellbeing Card Protocols. It can be challenging to process and manage the changes to routines and restrictions, and the general uncertainty that comes with day-to-day life. Proactively accessing the available mental health support is particularly important at Mary MacKillop College.

Check-in with yourself

It’s common to experience mood changes or to have difficulty functioning during changes to daily routines. It is good to remember these responses are normal. Moods can improve quickly if we pay attention to ourselves. It can be helpful to check in with yourself to notice the small changes in mood, behaviour, and emotions and to exercise self-help strategies. If noticing changes, reconnecting with things to help one stay balanced and grounded can help improve mood, motivation, and resilience. Our students may be issued with a wellbeing card to support their responses to a variety of pressures they experience.

Have regular wellbeing conversations

Having regular wellbeing conversations with key wellbeing staff can make a difference in processing and dealing with different responses and emotions. Building relationships between trusted adults and students can be a great source of support. Staff keep records of regular check-ins with students requiring support. Fostering healthy relationships builds resilience and confidence to learn.