From the Director of Wellbeing, Matthew Porter
Our Wellbeing theme for Term 1 focuses on respectful relationships, connectedness and belonging. Children develop a sense of belonging when they feel safe, supported and valued as contributors to a part of a greater whole. The atmosphere created at last Friday’s swimming carnival demonstrated that students were forming positive connections and a sense of pride in their House Groups. The College Captains, Prefects and senior leaders did an outstanding job of marshalling the boys into events and selecting, rehearsing and performing their “War cries” to build the atmosphere and sense of occasion on the day. Congratulations to all of the staff, helpers and competitors for making the day so successful.
When the needs mentioned above are met, children develop a sense of belonging. Children who feel that they belong are generally happier, more relaxed and have fewer behavioural problems than others. They are often more motivated and more successful as learners. A sense of belonging has been found to help protect children against mental health difficulties and improve their learning.
Being connected is about knowing where to go for help when required. Students need to know that they will be listened to and that their concerns will be taken seriously. Support may come from talking with staff or from making connections with other students and other families. School staff, parents and carers are better able to support the boys when they are informed about what they are experiencing both within the College and in their lives outside. (www.kidsmatter.edu.au)
Parent Student Mentor Interviews
Last Week’s Parent, Student Mentor interviews were a fantastic first step in creating and maintaining a collaborative culture focussed on student wellbeing and individual educational success. Please don’t hesitate to contact your son’s wellbeing mentor or head of house at any stage for further information on how a student is going.
Wellbeing Launch Parent Information Night
Parents who wish to find out more about our Wellbeing programs and our theme for each term are invited to attend the Wellbeing Launch Parent Information Night on Thursday 2 March. Please RSVP via the email distributed this week.
Student Representative Council
Applications for the 2017 Student Representative Council (SRC) have now closed. Thank you and well done to all of the boys who expressed their interest. The successful applicants will be announced in the next week. The revised leadership model will focus on maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all of our learners. The SRC will act as the voice of the student population and will examine opportunities for change and improvement both within the College and also strengthen connections with the parents, carers and the wider community.
Social Justice and Advocacy play a huge part in the core values and ethos of the College. The SRC will have a visible role to play in raising awareness and making a meaningful contribution to a wider variety of charities, services and immersions.
“Leadership is not about being in charge it is about taking care of those in your charge.” (S. Sinek, “Together is Better”)
Key Social Justice Events in March
Clean Up Australia Day – 5 March
International Women’s Day – 8 March
Shave for the Cure – 16-19 of March
National Day of Action Against Bullying – 17 March
Harmony Day – 21 March
NSW Earth Hour Sustainability Summit – 23-24 March
Earth Hour Saturday – 25 March
