Acting Director of Wellbeing
Mr Tim Aussel
Term 3 in Pastoral Care has been a pivotal period, with a strong focus on supporting students as they navigate the demands of school life. Our primary emphasis has been on Year 12 students, who have recently completed their HSC trial exams and are preparing for their final HSC assessments and the transition to adulthood.
Year 12 engaged in presentations and key activities throughout the term, organised by Mr Fallico, Assistant Principal, with a key focus on ‘it all counts’ and getting the group to succeed. Mrs Bianchi our College Careers Advisor, provided valuable guidance on post-HSC pathways, helping students envision their next steps after graduation.
Additionally, Year 12 participated in a Reflection Day, a day dedicated to resetting and finding hope following the stress of the trial exams. This day aimed to help students regain their focus and motivation as they approach their final exams.
Year 11 students also had a productive Term as they finished their preliminary exams, and gearing up for their HSC courses starting in Term 4. They engaged in study skills sessions designed to refine their academic techniques in preparation for their upcoming preliminary exams. Moreover, Year 11 students participated in the RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) excursion, which focused on driver education and safety. This initiative is especially crucial as many students are beginning to drive, and it is vital to address the risks associated with young male drivers—a group that is statistically overrepresented in driving incidents. By educating students on these issues, we aim to promote safer driving habits and responsible behavior on the road.
Year 10 were engaged in digital literacy lessons helping them understand the importance of their digital footprint. A key takeaway was the importance of managing their online presence carefully, as employers increasingly review digital profiles to assess potential candidates. These lessons served as a great lead in to Year 10 engaging in work experience in Week 10 of Term 3. One of the many steps in transitioning the students into the world as they gain insights into life beyond school and explore potential career paths.
Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students are continuing on their Resilience Project journey. This program introduced them to thought provoking concepts such as the impact of words, the value of gratitude, understanding anxiety and recognising character strengths. Engaging with these ideas has been shown to enhance feelings of hope and life satisfaction. The enthusiasm with which the students are participating in the Resilience Project is evident and we are starting to see a positive shift in their language and interactions, reflecting increased gratitude and empathy.
Overall, Term 3 has been a time of significant growth and preparation for all year groups. Through various initiatives and activities, we have supported students in managing their current challenges and prepared them for future opportunities, fostering their personal and academic development.