(Acting) Deputy Principal - Students, Mr Steve O'Donnell
Last week, all students were given an opportunity to provide feedback and have a voice in their wellbeing whilst at Waverley College. All students in Years 5-12 were able to complete the survey that canvassed a range of topics across the College, that included health, bullying, safety and security, as well as relationships.
We will continue to work with all key stakeholders at the College to keep improving and adjusting our programs, to provide well-rounded and positive educational approaches that allow all students to reach their potential.
Some of the notable points from the survey include:
- 88% of students are getting seven+ hours sleep
- 90% of students are getting four or more physical activity sessions per week
- 40% of students are drinking less than two litres of water per day
- 88% of students feel supported at school
- Over 60% of students are spending more than two hours on their phones every day
- Family, friends and wellbeing mentors are the most likely persons to approach in regard to bullying
- Heads of House and mentor time are the best parts of the Wellbeing structure
- Bullying and intimidation has shown a significant decrease over the past three years, with less than 10% of students now indicating that they have experienced this on one or more occasions, both inside and outside of school
- More staff visibility, more guest speakers and more lunchtime House activities are some of the student recommendations.
The survey results provide some very useful data. We will analyse and adjust our Programs to ensure we are providing education around the importance of wellbeing and the effects of phones, sleep, hydration and effective relationships.
More guest speakers, lunchtime activities and reminders of the clear policies in regards to expectations of standards of behaviour in and outside of the classroom are opportunities we will keep working on for whole-school improvement.
The partnership we have with parents and carers at home to support the College and students in these areas is also critical to ensure the ongoing success and wellbeing of all students.
