Catholic Identity and Mission and Wellbeing

WALKATHON

It is with great excitement that I report to the community the success of the Walkathon on August 8. The students were enthusiastic and joined in the spirit of the day. The day commenced with a celebration of the Eucharist, followed by games led by the Justice Captains. All the students were transported to Koonwarra where they commenced the eleven-kilometre walk back to the College. After a sumptuous barbeque the students played a fun game of netball with the staff.

We now require our community to keep supporting our drive for the funds required to support our sponsored charities. Good luck with the fundraising.

WELLBEING

School Refusal

Though many children will refuse to go to school at some stage in their lives, school refusal is very different to truancy. It is a more serious condition than separation anxiety and often stems from a child’s anxiety about school. They may be worried about school. They may be worried about their school work, interacting with other kids, dealing with teachers, playing sports or being away from family. School refusal is a behaviour that can also be accompanied by sadness or depression, physical symptoms and social isolation. This condition is equally common amongst boys and girls, from all socio economic groups and across primary and secondary year levels.

What can I do to get back to school?

If your worries are so great that you are not attending school it is important that you work with your school and your parents to help you get back to attending school as soon as possible.

Things you can do to help include:

Take part in the planning of how you will go back to school.

Work with your parents and teachers to think of things that will help you.

Think about a time that you did cope with a worry.

What did you do then? Keep in contact with your friends and what is happening at school.

Catch up on some of the work that you may have missed before you go back.

Take little steps to get back into the routine – don’t expect that everything will get back to normal or will be okay immediately.

At Mary MacKillop College you can see any of the people listed below to help any troubles you or your child may be experiencing about attending school.

Years 7 and 8: Mrs Townley

Years 9 and 10: Mrs Widarsito

Years 11 and 12: Mr Maskell