Read Time: ( words)

By

College

The student wellbeing team would like to welcome back returning students and families and also welcome new students. It has been a busy period to start the year with several wellbeing programs being delivered.

During week 1, Year 9 students attended a presentation on Identity by Red Frogs. They were educated and encouraged that who they are – their identity – has inherent worth and value. They also attended a workshop run by Toolbox. They were encouraged to address negative thoughts via a CBT activity. Toolbox used “phone apps” as an analogy that negative thoughts are like notifications from an app to their mind and they need to acknowledge it, challenge it and reframe it. This will be very useful in supporting Year 9 students throughout 2023 to challenge their negative thoughts.

The Year 10 students attended a presentation by Mr Jason Mann (Mental Health Practitioner). Jason encouraged students to change their relationship with stress and manage their negative thoughts in a useful way. It was very engaging and thought-provoking for the students – also asking students to come out of their comfort zone – including asking a student to sing in front of the whole cohort.

The Year 11 students attended a presentation by motivational speaker, Mr Steve Bell. Steve shared his stories of adversity and resilience throughout his life as a mountaineer. They also attended a session with the wellbeing team focusing on managing stress and coping strategies to help them get through VCE.
 
 

Welcome New Staff 

On the Senior Campus, we have a new Student Wellbeing Coordinator, Ms Irine Sojan. Irine is a social worker who previously worked in a hospital. Irine joins Jason Mann (Mental Health Practitioner) who are available to support students with a range of concerns and provide advice to parents/carers.

On the Junior Campus, we have Ms Aisha Paternott who has moved into a full time role supporting the wellbeing of Year 7 and 8 students. She is joined by Ms Jaimi Gerosa – College Chaplain, who is available to provide support and advice to students on Mondays and Tuesdays. We have also welcomed three social work students on placement – Jodi, Orla and Lucy.

 

Mr Paul Graham
Student Support and Resources Manager