The Star

Director of Student Wellbeing

 Ms Farron Boxall 

Year 9 Altitude Day

On Monday a group of Year 9 students attended Altitude Day, a multi-school conference facilitated by yLead Australia for students in Year 9. Altitude Day encouraged students to explore the 'Keys to Unlocking Leadership Potential'. This was targeted through networking with students from other schools, guest speakers, challenges and self-reflection. Guest speakers included  Old Virgilian Mitch McPherson (SVC 2000-03), Mental Health Advocate, Speaker and Founder of Speak Up! Stay ChatTy and fellow Eddie Ricer Billy Blackett, Young Entrepreneur and Founder of Affordable Tutoring Australia and Joshua Robson who shared his personal courageous story overcoming testicular cancer. The theme of the day was that leadership is who you are and what you do. Students took away many key messages and experiences that will not only further their leadership skills but support their reliance during times of adversity. 

 

Below is a reflection from Year 9 student, Xavier Wright:

On Monday the 29th of May, a group of our year nine leaders attended a leadership day at wrest point with a large cohort of students from other schools from around Southern Tasmania. We learnt about what it means to be a leader in our schools and in the wider community. The title of the day was called Altitude Day and was run by a group called YLead. YLead is an organization that provides a unique learning opportunity towards young people to help empower them and make a difference around their community and around the world. We were fortunate enough to have three amazing guest speakers for the day. These people were Billy Blackett, Mitch McPherson, and Joshua Robson. Each of these men have certainly made a difference around the country and in their communities. We were told some very moving stories about the experiences of these men. They have most definitely empowered us to step up, be leaders and make a difference.

Wellbeing Support for Year 10 and 11 Mid-Year Exams

As well as adequate academic preparation it is also important boys look after their physical, mental and emotional health in the lead up to what can be a stressful time for some students. Please see resources below to support students with this at home. If you have any cause for concern, our Student Support Team of College Psychologists and Counsellor is on site to assist. 

Wellbeing Staff Spotlight

Meet Jo Morgan, College Psychologist 

Joined the staff at SVC in 2016 and according to her those years have flown. 

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

Before starting work at St Virgil’s I had recently left the Department of Education after more than 20 years as a teacher and Educational Psychologist.  I was working in private practice, primarily with adults, Veterans, and Employee Assistance Programs.

 

Why are you so passionate about your work?

The greatest challenges frequently bring the greatest rewards. I love seeing our young men find out who they are meant to be, independent and confident. It may be a difficult process for some but, with encouragement and support, their futures can be fulfilling and exciting. It’s wonderful to see them years later and hear about their achievements.

 

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I enjoy my contact with students. Our boys are the reason I find my work fulfilling, watching them develop into confident young men, looking forward to the future, aiming for their goals. The fulfillment comes from knowing they have developed the resilience to remain goal-focussed when times get tough, and the flexibility to find solutions when needed.

 

What does ‘wellbeing’ mean to you?

Wellbeing means having the emotional competence and resources to cope with the difficulties and challenges we all face. It’s recognising when you need help and knowing how to access that support or information. Wellbeing is a journey, and it changes depending on our needs and environment at the time. 

 

What are some of the ways we can support our students’ wellbeing at the College?

Students are best supported when their adults, at home and school, are able to empathise with them and walk beside them.  Knowing they have a supportive adult to ask questions of and to test out opinions and thoughts is essential. As a school we offer information and education on relevant topics to all students, and small group or individual counselling or intervention to those requiring more direct and tailored support.  My role is not to solve problems but to assist boys to find their own solutions. I describe my ‘job’ to boys as a second, or cornerman is to a boxer. I can support and encourage but I can’t fight the fight for them. 

 

What are some of the challenges facing young people today?

Our boys experience so much more pressure, certainly from social media and stereotypes portrayed in the media. They are bombarded with ideals of manhood and masculinity. It is so important that they turn that noise off and focus on being a student while they are with us. The constant our young people face is change. They are required to be flexible and adaptable, responding to pressure. My hope is that they learn balance and techniques to de-stress.

 

If you could turn back time, what advice would you give to your younger self?

March to your own drum. Asking for help is a sign of strength and ingenuity. Say ‘yes’ to opportunities offered to you. Rather than saying ‘I can’t do this’, try ‘I haven’t yet learned to do this’.

 

What’s something that students may not know about you? Or, what’s one thing on your bucket list?

As my time at St Virgil’s finishes at the end of this term, my bucket list includes travel. I want to learn a new skill because I think it’s important to be challenged. I still haven’t decided what I want to do when I grow up.