Angelique Sanders, Director of Student Wellbeing/Acting Deputy Head of Senior School

Week 2 marked the beginning of our Student Wellbeing Program (SWP) for the term, with each year group engaging in meaningful activities designed to support their personal growth and development.

• Years 7 and 9 focused on goal setting and reflecting on their Semester 1 reports. This process helps students understand the value of working towards clear, achievable goals and taking ownership of their learning.
• Year 8 participated in a workshop with Elephant Ed on safe partying and managing peer pressure—important topics as they navigate social situations with increasing independence.
• Year 10 viewed the ABC Compass episode Hijacking Adolescence, which sparked thoughtful conversations about the challenges young people face today. These sessions provide a safe space for students to explore complex issues around what they are exposed to though social media with the guidance of their mentors.
• Year 11 heard from Ms Turnbull on leadership in a Co-Educational context and Ms Fletcher on the Prefect application process. They also had the privilege of hearing from former Head Prefect, Casper Broekhuizen, who recently completed a degree in Computer Science at Stanford University. Casper shared insights into the impact of AI on critical thinking, encouraging students to be mindful of how they use technology and to continue developing their problem-solving skills across diverse contexts.
• Year 12 gathered for a cohort meeting in preparation for their upcoming Mock and Trial examinations. Our new Head of Counselling, Frances Kospetas, along with Chloe Harrington, spoke to the students about managing stress and using it as a positive force during this busy period.

On Monday, Years 10 and 11 attended sessions with Paul Dillon, a leading expert in drug and alcohol education. Paul provided students with up-to-date, factual information about the effects of various substances so they can make informed decisions. He also emphasised the importance of looking out for one another and how and when to seek help. Parents interested in learning more about Paul’s work can visit his website, DARTA.

Finally, our staff focused on developing students’ organisational and reflection skills during this week’s fortnightly staff meeting, The Power of Plenaries.  A key part of this is the effective use of the school diary. Recording homework and reflecting on lessons not only reinforces learning but also builds essential planning habits. We encourage parents of students in Years 7–10 to review their son’s diary weekly and support them in establishing routines for managing tasks and assessments. Mentors are dedicating time each week to help students with this and will be checking that diaries are signed by a parent or carer.

As we move through the colder months, a reminder from the Health Centre that viruses can spread quickly in school environments. It’s especially important to take steps to minimise the risk for vulnerable members of our community. Students must be kept off school and other activities if unwell with cold and flu-like symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, fevers, chills, and/or sweats). If they have a fever, they must be kept home for at least 24 hours after the fever has resolved. They should be kept off school until no longer symptomatic. 

To stop the spread of viruses:

• avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
• stay at home when sick with cold and flu like symptoms
• cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and sneeze into your elbow instead of your hands.
• wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing

Angelique Sanders
Director of Student Wellbeing/Acting Deputy Head of Senior School