PASTORAL CARE – Wellbeing Workshops for Year 7 and 11
Finding Your Place: Year 7 Wellbeing Incursion
On Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October, our Year 7 students participated in Finding Your Place, a wellbeing incursion facilitated by Susie Edmonds from Inner Directions. The program was designed to support students as they continue to navigate the transition to secondary school by strengthening their sense of belonging, connection and confidence within the St Ursula’s community.
Through storytelling, collaborative activities, reflective exercises, role plays and games, students explored the importance of meaningful relationships and the role each individual plays in creating an inclusive and supportive school environment. The workshops provided opportunities for students to connect with peers beyond their usual friendship groups while developing a deeper understanding of themselves, their emotions and their responses to challenges.
Throughout the program, students explored what helps healthy friendships flourish, learnt practical strategies for managing emotions when situations do not go to plan, and examined how thoughts, feelings and actions can influence their experiences. They were also encouraged to identify what is within their control and develop constructive ways to respond to difficult situations.
A key theme of the incursion was recognising that belonging is not only about feeling connected ourselves but also about helping others feel included, valued and supported. As our Year 7 students continue their journey through secondary school, the skills and insights gained through Finding Your Place will help them build positive relationships, contribute to a strong sense of community and continue to flourish both personally and socially.
Year 11 HSC Stress Management Workshop
On Wednesday 28 October, Year 11 students participated in a HSC Stress Management Workshop delivered by a clinical psychologist from The Kidman Centre at UTS. The session provided practical, evidence-based strategies to help students better understand stress and recognise how, when managed effectively, it can enhance motivation, focus and performance.
Students were introduced to a personalised three-step approach to managing stress:
- Identifying and challenging unhelpful patterns of thinking
- Taking proactive action to reduce stress
- Maintaining and enhancing self-care
Students explored common thinking traps that can increase stress, learnt strategies to develop more balanced and constructive thinking, and considered proactive ways to manage academic demands before they become overwhelming. The workshop also reinforced the importance of self-care practices such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, social connection and downtime in supporting both wellbeing and academic success.
As students begin preparing for their HSC journey, these strategies provide a valuable foundation for building resilience, managing pressure effectively and maintaining a healthy balance between achievement and wellbeing.
