Student wellbeing

2023 Senior School Consultancy

Congratulations to Aesha L and Zara F from Year 11 who have been appointed to the inaugural Senior School Consultancy. In this role, Aesha and Zara will meet regularly with Ms Brennan to consult on a range of matters related to the Shelford Senior School.

2023 House leadership

I am delighted to announce our 2023 House Leaders. You will notice that for 2023, based on feedback from the 2022 House Leaders, we have appointed two HPA Captains per House. This appointment is in recognition of the scale of the HPA event and the benefit of having the support of a Co-Captain throughout the process.

Congratulations to our newly appointed House Leaders, we wish them all the best and look forward to what they will bring to the Shelford Community in 2023.

Year 9 2023

Toorak Uniting Church has conducted the Dancing Class for more than 40 years.  The classes were initiated by a group of parents with students at Melbourne Grammar, Scotch College and St Catherine’s to provide an activity where teenagers could meet others of their own age and make new friends in a happy, safe and secure setting. Over the years the classes have expanded and many friendships have lasted until the present time.

Social dancing, including traditional and modern ballroom styles, is taught by a well-qualified, enthusiastic team of dance instructors. The classes are conducted from the floor and with the use of modern equipment staff readily establish a rapport with the students. Students are encouraged to mix socially in a polite and relaxed manner and enjoy the experience of learning to dance.

The young people attending the classes come from a wide range of schools and there is a unique mix of students which encourages the formation of new friendships. Each class is usually limited to 40 girls from Year 9 and 40 boys from Year 10. Classes are well supervised and students are issued with a laminated entry card incorporating a passport type photograph which is presented each night on arrival. A roll is maintained and an attendant randomly telephones the parents of pupils who are not present if prior notification of absence has not been received.

In 2023 Toorak Uniting Church will be conducting classes over both school semesters, the first over Terms 1 and 2 and the second over Terms 3 and 4. These classes will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings in the first semester and Tuesday or Thursday evenings in the second semester usually from 8.00 to 9.30 pm. Classes are not held over the school holidays, or while school camps take place and every endeavour is made to fit around school activities. Please note these classes are organised and supervised by Toorak Uniting Church and Shelford Staff will not be in attendance. 

There are 8 lessons in each semester and the total cost including GST is $220.00. A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required upon enrolment application. Please note enrolments can only be processed when the enrolment form and the deposit has been received. Payment details are listed on the enrolment form.

Bookings are now open for 2023 classes. Places will be allocated in all classes in order of receipt of enrolment and deposit. Please complete the enrolment form (which will be emailed to Year 8 Parents/Guardians), finalise your deposit payment and email the form to dc@toorakuc.org.au as soon as possible. If your child has a friend with whom they would like to attend, please return both forms (with identical class preferences listed). 

A formal dance is held at the end of each semester. These dances are well supervised and the guidelines for student behaviour established at the Dancing Class apply. Admission is by a separate pre-purchased ticket and only members of the Dancing Class may attend.   

If you have any queries, please contact Lin Cooper at the church office by email dc@toorakuc.org.au

Resources

Article: Taking care of emotions: A guide for parents and their kids

In this article psychologist Lawrence Cohen shares his tips for taking care of emotions.

Article: Testing times: How to deal with exam anxiety 

Tests, exams, assessments – the mere mention of these to some teens can cause anxiety to escalate, writes Dr Deborah Trengove. In this article, she shares her strategies to help overcome the feeling during testing times. 

Article: Anxiety in kids is rising: How parents can spot it

A recent RCH National Health Poll found that half of all Victorian children are experiencing problems with anxiety. In this article the RCH shares tips on recognising signs of anxiety, when to seek professional help and tips to support our children.

Pauline Cutajar

Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing and Development