As we reflect on the term and semester, we celebrate the many ways our students have continued to grow as learners and young people. A strong sense of wellbeing remains at the heart of this growth, as we know that students thrive when they feel connected, supported and empowered within their school community. Our “Every Lesson, Every Day” approach will continue to guide this growth. Developing positive organisational and learning routines continues to be an important focus, as these habits support both academic progress and overall wellbeing. Encouraging students to establish consistent study patterns, manage their commitments effectively, seek support when needed and prioritise healthy relationships helps build confidence, independence and resilience.

We recognise that wellbeing and learning are deeply interconnected and that fostering a sense of belonging, positive relationships and balanced participation in school life is essential to every student’s success. We encourage students to continue taking ownership of their learning journey, embracing challenges with confidence, resilience and a willingness to take positive risks by engaging in the many opportunities available to them, both within the classroom and through the rich co-curricular experiences offered at the College. We thank our families for their ongoing partnership in supporting each student to flourish academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential.

Thinking Traps – Toolbox Education

‘Thinking Traps’ tools identify the cognitive distortions that fire under pressure. Catastrophising, all-or-nothing thinking, mind reading are some examples. The tools presented by Toolbox Education equip students with a process to challenge and reframe unhelpful thinking in real time.

The Thinking Traps workshop highlighted how to recognise unhelpful thinking styles, where they show up, and how we can challenge these types of thoughts in our learning and our wellbeing.

This week all students in Pastoral Care workshopped the strategies presented to them by Toolbox Education. This included:

• Identify common thinking traps (Mind Reading, Ignoring the Good, Fortune Telling, Blowing Things Up, Setting the Bar Too High)
• Recognise when unhelpful thoughts show up in everyday situations
• Use simple strategies to challenge and reframe unhelpful thinking
• Develop more balanced and helpful responses to difficult situations

Brainstorm Productions – ‘Verbal Combat’

Over the past few weeks our Year 7 and 8 students have been engaged in workshops following an educational theatre performance that provided strategies for resilience, bullying prevention and help-seeking.

In a world where algorithms, AI and online influencers shape what we see and believe, ‘Verbal Combat’ brought to life scenarios for students that highlighted fact from fiction, how best to navigate friendships, (cyber)bullying, mental health and the ever-changing challenges of the online world.

Students were able to workshop the following themes:

• Describe the benefits and risks of social groups, both online and offline
• Describe some of the ways that group dynamics can contribute to bullying and abuse, both online and offline
• Explore why some bystanders choose not to intervene in bullying situations
• Describe ways that bystanders can safely and appropriately speak up and take a stand against bullying, both online and offline
• Provide examples of support options for people who are being bullied, as well as support options for bystanders and the people responsible for bullying

SchoolTV

As we come to the end of one semester and start a new one, continuing to develop students’ confidence and motivation is critical. SchoolTV has a great module on Confidence and Motivation that you can view here. 

"Confidence and motivation are two critical ingredients for young people's success. Supporting your child to help nurture these qualities allows them to believe in their abilities and navigate life's challenges with resilience and a positive outlook." - Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

Ms Antonella La Greca
Acting Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing