From the Leader of Wellbeing
digitalx
On Wednesday evening Jocelyn Brewer (registered psychologist and founder of Digital Nutritian) held a webinar titled: Managing Smartphone Use In High Schools. The information that was shared was both affirming and challenging.
Affirming, as the research indicates that removing, or banning, students from using their devices is not effective and challenging as so much of what we see in the media is sensationalised. The sensationalising of mobile phone use in schools means that the diverse community of MSCW potentially may have a bias that is not well formed in current research. This includes our students who may be under the impression that all students/young people ‘do this’ (behave in a specific way) with their mobile devices and online.
Jocelyn borrowed an analogy from Dr Justin Coulson (psychologist and founder of Happy Families) when she compared mobile devices with a swimming pool. To keep individuals, specifically young people, safe pools are fenced in. These are high and the access to the locking mechanisms challenging. Yet when it comes to mobile devices and the unrestricted access to the internet (they can join free wifi in a lot of places) is like fencing in an ocean. If we do not lock it they will find a way in. Parents, schools and the community have a shared responsibility in teaching young people how to be safe around the water and this significantly reduces the risk, it does not remove all risk. The question posed was Where are the digital swimming lessons and who is responsible for these?
Safe, respectful, responsible use of mobile devices is a shared responsibility. Technology provides CONNECTION and BELONGING, these are essential for positive wellbeing, that allows individuals to thrive and flourish. Let’s not forget that mistakes are a part of the learning process and that our young people, and adults too, will make these. All we can do is provide them with consistent messaging that is grounded in the values that we want the young women of MSCW to possess – respect, gifts to be used for good, confident, courageous and safe.
Below is a link to a resource that may assist you in guiding your daughter as you teach her how to be more responsible and safe with her use of mobile devises and the internet
Digital citizenship: teens being responsible online | Raising Children Network.
The Woolwich Student Union (WSU), is organising the annual 12 Days of Christmas. Each day, a different activity is hosted, allowing the Woolwich community to spread the Christmas spirit. Below is a graphic of the activities that commence on 28th November.
In this Special Report of SchoolTV – HAVING THE ALCOHOL DISCUSSION
With the impending festive season and end of school celebrations, some teenagers may be feeling ready to party, wanting to put the disruptions, frustrations and disappointments of this past year behind them.To ensure our young people stay safe during this time, parents and carers are encouraged to have the alcohol discussion – no matter how difficult or overwhelming it may be. It is important to outline the rules and boundaries around age-appropriate alcohol consumption and what the legal implications may be.Young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than adults because their brains continue to develop until their mid-twenties. The safest level of alcohol consumption for teenagers is no alcohol at all, but this may be difficult to enforce and may not prevent them from experimenting. However, parents and carers can influence sensible drinking habits and help minimise the risks.In this Special Report, a series of discussion points are offered to help make the conversation about alcohol consumption a little easier. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your daughter, please contact her Tutor, House Coordinator or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report:HAVING THE ALCOHOL DISCUSSION| Marist Sisters’ College – Woolwich
Access these sites for more information about alcohol and teens:
SNAPSHOT: COMMUNITY TIME THIS WEEK
YEAR 8
This week Year 8 gathered together to learn the Salve Regina. The Marist family has a long tradition with the singing of the Salve Regina and Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich continues this tradition today with the future Marist Women of Action in the world. When students are in Year 7 they learn the Salve as part of Gala Day celebrations held at the end of each year and the tradition is that they sing the Salve Regina all together on their final day at the College during their Graduation Mass. A beautiful beginning and end of their time in the Marist community. However, due to the pandemic last year not all of Year 7 (current year 8) were permitted to sing together gathered as one. This is why in 2023 both Year 7 and Year 8 are learning the Salve. Mrs Kemp the Acting Colin House Coordinator and staff responsible for overseeing Year 8 community time and events enlisted the gifts and talents of Mrs Marsh who worked with the students guiding them in making “a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise”. (Psalm 90:4)
The words of the Salve Regina:
YEAR 7
This week Year 7 saw a production called The Hurting Game by Brainstorm Productions. This resilience program for high schools explores the skills we need to cope with life’s challenges and build meaningful connections. The students were fully engaged with the production. We look forward to seeing Year 7 to continue to flourish in their connections with one another and the school community in the years to come.
YEAR 10
Year 10 were divided into groups and moved from ‘station’ to station experiencing an Art Workshop, Breathing Exercise and Physical Challenges. Below you can see our College Counsellor, Ms Carly Boaler, is leading the students in simple movement focusing on breathing techniques.
