Leader of Student Wellbeing

Girls' Program Years 7-9 - Developing Positive Friendships

Year 9 have completed their 3 sessions on developing positive friendships.

Firstly, students brainstormed on qualities they recognise as a true friend. All girls recognised trust, open communication and loyalty as qualities of a friend. Finally the girls were challenged to set a goal on how they could be a positive friend for the coming week as their 'homework.'

In the second session, the girls examined various scenarios and discussed  the different types of communication; passive, aggressive and assertive. They then discussed in small groups how they could be more assertive in their communication in everyday life. The theme of navigating trick situations, was further explored with the influence of social media in young people's lives. Clips from the Federal Government's Safety eCommissioner were viewed on the negative impact of social media on friendships, and a person's social and emotional development.

In the final session, the focus was on self esteem. Students reflected on what self esteem means to them, factors which negatively impact on their self esteem and ways to increase their self esteem. All activities were completed in small groups, where the girls could feel comfortable expressing their views.

The first  session for Year 8 girls commenced last Friday and is based on the same themes as the Year 9 program.

Many thanks to Mrs Shoemark, Mrs O'Shea, Miss Woolaston, Mrs Jones and Mrs Gale for their input and guidance of the small groups.

Contacting Leaders of Student Care

Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact the Leader of Student Care (LOSC) for their child regarding any important issues. Often is it is best to inform the LOSC rather than hold back any concerns. It could be matters regarding upcoming planned absences, pastoral care issues and concerns with assessment work. The email contacts are listed below:

Leader of Student Wellbeing - Mrs Sharon Stuart sstuart@arm.catholic.edu.au

Year 7 Leader of Student Care - Mrs Melissa Bearup mbearup@arm.catholic.edu.au   

Year 8 Leader of Student Care - Mr Bernie Williams bwilliams1@arm.catholic.edu.au

Year 9 Leader of Student Care - Mr Andrew Davy adavy@arm.catholic.edu.au             

Year 10 Leader of Student Care - Mrs Michelle Gale mgale@arm.catholic.edu.au         

Year 11 Leader of Student Care -  Mrs Fiona O'Neill foneill@arm.catholic.edu.au     

Year 12 Leader of Student Care -  Mr Damian Kenniff dkenniff@arm.catholic.edu.au     

LOSC are contacting the parents of students in their cohort by email on a regular basis to update them regarding general activities around the College. These can include reminders about Stage Information evenings, assessment tasks and any other matters pertaining to the year group. Please ensure your email address is updated with the College office if it has changed in recent times.

Mrs Bearup (LOSC - Year 7), informed parents by email  last week of the negative impacts of the social media app 'Snap Chat'  which is being used by some Year 7 students. We urge parents to check their child's usage of 'Snap Chat' so that it is used as a positive tool, not as an opportunity to be negative. We live in a digital world, and at McCarthy we encourage the use of technology as a tool for learning in a sensible way.

Presently, Mrs O'Neill - Leader of Student Care (Year 11) is on sick leave and in her absence, please contact myself via email regarding any issues. 

Mrs Sharon Stuart - Leader of  Student Wellbeing