Pastoral Care & Wellbeing 

POSITIVE EDUCATION - THE SCIENCE OF WELLBEING

Last Week, Mr Steve McCormack (Sherrin House Leader) and Ms Ruth Fraser (Rosarie House Leader) joined me in travelling to Newington College to engage in a Positive Education Course facilitated by Geelong Grammar’s Leader of Positive Education. It was fascinating to explore the journey of many school’s in engaging with the benefits of Positive Education to place wellbeing at the heart of education. The day looked at the benefits of Positive Education, the underlying research that guides teaching practice and the Geelong Grammar School’s Model of Positive Education. We had the chance to try out key wellbeing activities as taught in Positive Education classes and reflected on how the concepts could be taught and embedded in our own school context. We look forward to sharing more of our insights with the broader College community in the near future.

SCHOOL LEADERS  PROGRAM

During the week College Captains Tom Hallam and Olivia Shaw had the opportunity to attend the NSW Parliament School Leaders Program  at Government House.  Here is a reflection of the day:

On Thursday, Tom and I were fortunate enough to travel to Sydney and experience what takes place at Parliament House, as well as receive a tour of the awesome Government House. The day included an introduction to our Member of Parliament, Daryl Maguire, along with other members from across the state. We were lucky enough to observe the politicians in action, which was very interesting due to the passion they have for NSW. After lunch we walked a small way to Government House. The house, garden and view was amazing! The tour was very informative and concluded with the meeting of the Governor of NSW, General David Hurley. The day gave us a small insight into the lives of our politicians and what role they play in the our community. 

Olivia Shaw

BURRABINYA PROGRAM

Burrabinya - Wiradjuri word meaning “leap to your future” - has started for 2017. Burrabinya is a program that is aimed at building the capacity of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through connection with their cultural heritage and community, to develop the confidence, skills, knowledge and understanding required to reach their full potential in employment, training and education.

So far the students have been involved in team building activities, resume writing, self awareness and confidence building activities. They’ve explored communication and public-speaking skills and built a strong connection with other students in the program from Kildare Catholic College.

Some feedback from two students involved in the program is below:

Marni Bellgardt - Year 10 

The Burrabinya program has helped me gain confidence when talking to groups of people. It has helped me to speak up and learn that every opinion matters. Culture is a big part of the Burrabinya program I think it's really exciting that we get together with other Indigenous kids from our community and learn about our culture and each other's backgrounds.

Brandy Nicholson - Year 10 The Burrabinya program has assisted me in developing skills, understanding and knowledge required for future employment and career pathways. The program has guided me to build strong communication skills along with growing confidence to help overcome barriers and limits faced. The cultural side to the program has enhanced my understanding, knowledge and respect towards myself and others in the indigenous community.

Burrabinya is conducted every Thursday, with Mater Dei and Kildare hosting alternate weeks. The program includes visits to industry and further learning sites, as well as visits to places of cultural significance for local Wiradjuri people. A huge thanks to our wonderful AEW Mr Jason Jolley who has facilitated this program and supported our ATSI students as they embark on these opportunities.

Emily Paul

Assistant to the Principal - Students