AFL 9s Carnival

On Thursday the 6th of May the Year 8 and 9 students went to Jamestown to compete in the AFL 9s Carnival. This year we were lucky and had a full day coaching clinic before the carnival to help us to improve our skills. There were two people from the SANFL who came and ran the clinics. This was useful on the day, the girls won one game for the day. The boys didn’t win on the day, but they had some close games. I got to play on the girls’ team because they were short on players.

Billy Starke

Knock Out Volleyball

Earlier this term the year 9 and 10 students travelled to Mars Stadium in Adelaide to compete in the year 10 Knock Out Volleyball Competition. When they arrived in the stadium, the students were a tad overwhelmed by how professional everyone looked and thought that they were going to go terribly... Once on the court however, they were better than what they first thought. Even though they didn’t win a game they were able to win several sets, and everyone improved some part of their game. It was good to be able to see and play a game of Volleyball at a higher level.

Year 10 Physical Education

Currently the year 10 students are undertaking a unit in lifelong physical activities. The unit aims to connect students to physical activities available to them within their community, strengthening both their connectedness to community and encouraging them establish healthy habits.

For the last two weeks students have focused on Golf. We were able to draw upon the high level of expertise within the school. Alex, Lydiah, Dean Graefe and Levi led the sessions beginning with basic technique and etiquette. This week we were lucky enough to travel to the Peterborough Golf Course, the students had the opportunity to play several holes and put their technique to the test. We would like to thank The Peterborough Golf Club for letting us use their equipment and facilities and to Daryl Harvey for hosting us.

Wellbeing @ PHS

Pastoral Care Support

Weekly Pastoral Care support looks at little different at Peterborough High, with the school being the first in the region to try out remote servicing.

Pastoral Care Worker, Robyn, is based on the Yorke Peninsula, but meets weekly with students via the online Teams app and then visits the school twice a term for individual and group face-to-face meetings.

So far, this arrangement is working well, with Student Wellbeing Leader, Ms McCann, booking students in and SSO Librarian, Ms Tuckwell assisting with reminders and getting students to appointments.

The weekly sessions focus on wellbeing, looking at the ups and downs of the week, what is going well in the student’s world and what strategies can help them deal with issues or problems that worry them. Group sessions have focused on learning about how to manage big feelings, like anger or anxiety, teaching students how their brains work, and fun activities to teach emotional literacy, gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.

Encounter Youth Visit

Last week Natasha from Encounter Youth presented to our Year 10, 11 and 12 students. The presentations were tailored to each age group and focussed on the following message.

Year 10- Who’s Calling Your Shots?

This seminar provided the opportunity for young people to consider their own beliefs around drinking and compare these to young people Australia-wide. Topics covered were brain development, trends in illicit drug use and realities of alcohol use.

Year 11- Alert Not Alarmed

With a focus on safety when celebrating, this seminar looked at what makes someone more vulnerable and what responsibilities one can take charge of to keep themselves and their mates safe. Topics included understanding vulnerability, safe relationships, alcohol and driving.

Year 12- Adulting

This seminar discussed the transition to adulthood and all the new responsibilities that entails. Topics included transitions to adulthood, social responsibility, alcohol and the law and party fights.

The Resilience Project

Students at PHS are participating in the Resilience Project in Health and Wellbeing lessons. Below is part 2 of the Parent Program with Martin.

Gratitude is being thankful and expressing appreciation for what one has – as opposed to focusing on the lack of something.

Research shows that practicing gratitude rewires our brains to overcome the negativity bias (which can lead to anxiety and depression) and see the world what we are thankful for. It is also shown to broaden thinking and increase physical health through improved sleep and attitude to exercise.

View Part 2: Gratitude of the series here: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/parent-and-carer-hub/

There are many ways in which you can practise gratitude, including starting a Wellbeing Journal. In the image below are a few ideas to get started.

For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

Aboriginal Health and Community Newsletter