From the Director of Student Wellbeing (Secondary)
From the Director of Student Wellbeing (Secondary)
Director of Student Wellbeing (Secondary)
Wellbeing in the Middle Years
It has been a busy term for students in the middle years. Alongside their academic studies, students have been engaging with opportunities to develop their social and emotional skills. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is crucial as it equips students with essential skills to manage emotions, build positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. By fostering self-awareness, empathy, and effective communication, SEL enhances academic performance and creates a supportive learning environment.
Year 7 & 8 Brainstorm Productions
Earlier this term, Year 7 and Year 8 students attended a performance from the team at Brainstorm Productions. Brainstorm Productions are one of Australia’s most experienced and respected educational theatre companies, reaching more than 260,000 students each year with their evidence-based anti-bullying, cyber safety and student wellbeing programs.
Students watched a performance of ‘Sticks and Stones’ which shines a light on issues such as cyberbullying, image-based abuse and coercive control. The show, and the Q&A that followed, equipped students with practical strategies for emotion regulation, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and help-seeking.
Student Reflections:
“This performance was very engaging and covered lots of different topics such as gender stereotypes, abusive relationships and people struggling with mental health. They taught us how to deal with our anger and how our actions have an impact on people.” – Maya (Year 8)
“I found this production of ‘Sticks and Stones’ engaging and interesting. The actors were just amazing at making this performance come to life! The message that was sent through their acting was captivating. I really enjoyed this show and would love to see more of their shows!” – Stella (Year 8)
“I think that it was very interesting and an important topic that affects people. I learnt how different types of relationships can affect people in different ways, even when they are not directly involved in the situation.” – Anonymous (Year 8)
Year 9 Pastoral Care program
This year we have launched the Pastoral Care program in Year 9. Students have two lessons per week to engage in targeted social and emotional learning to assist them in fostering positive relationships and support them in their personal decision making.
To conclude their first term’s work on ‘Respectful Relationships’, the Year 9 cohort participated in a Q&A Forum in the McAuley Auditorium. Year 12 students responded to questions, generated by the students themselves. Questions included:
- How did you manage your workload when you were in Year 9?
- How do you deal with procrastination?
- How did you manage friendship issues?
- Do you worry about the future?
The Year 12 students were incredibly engaging, sharing their own experiences and providing guidance in a relatable, yet positive way.
A huge thank you to Year 12 students, Elli, Gabby, Morgan, Amy, Hannah, Chiara, Poshika and Gabi for giving up their time and sharing their insights with the Year 9 students.
Ms Rachel Gould
Director of Wellbeing (Secondary)
