Student perspectives: guiding our Santa Strong Pastoral Care Program
Term 2 was a busy period as students from Years 7 to 12 participated in a series of annual surveys aimed at deepening our understanding of their resilience, connections and overall wellbeing. As previously communicated to families, all students in Years 7-11 took part in the Resilient Youth survey, while a select group of students from Years 9-12 contributed to the 2025 Mission Australia Annual Youth Survey.
Year 12 students completed their final survey for the Black Dog Institute’s Future Proofing Study, a long-term research project they have been involved in since Year 8. In addition, Year 7 students completed a dedicated Transition Survey to help us better support their move into high school.
Each year, once the survey data is reviewed, the Pastoral Team thoughtfully adapts the Santa Strong Pastoral Care program to align with the evolving needs of each year group. Below is a preview of the key themes that students will explore in Pastoral Care lessons this term:
Term 3 Santa Strong Pastoral Care Program
| Year Group | Unit | Key Themes |
| Year 7 Strong Relationships | Friendship Resilience | How to positively manage friendship breakdowns, empathy, choosing the right words, mentoring |
| Year 8 Strong Voices | Ethical and Supportive Relationships | Ethical relationships, advocacy, inclusion, action, reflection |
| Year 9 Strong Community | Digital Guardians | Digital citizenship, social media laws, consent, personal empowerment |
| Year 10 Strong Voices | Standing My Ground | Self advocacy, emotional resilience, contemplation |
| Year 11 Strong Self | Caring For Me When Things Are Challenging | Applying effective and evidence-based wellbeing strategies, self compassion, positive thinking, goal setting, motivation, grit, growth mindset. |
| Year 12 Santa Strong | How Have I Been Santa Strong? | Relationships, staying motivated, transition points and rites of passage, gratitude, consent. |
Year 7 and 8 Pastoral Care – The Friendship Formula
As part of the College’s ongoing commitment to student wellbeing and personal development, our Year 7 and 8 students recently took part in an engaging workshop titled The Friendship Formula. Led by Rohanna Chan, a clinical psychologist from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the session introduced students to practical strategies for building and maintaining positive relationships.
Focused on assertive communication, the program helped students develop confidence, set healthy boundaries, and navigate social situations with respect and self-assurance. These essential skills not only support their current friendships but also lay the foundation for strong interpersonal connections throughout their lives.
We’re excited to continue supporting our students as they put their learning into action and strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing.
Sleep Health Week: the missing link in student wellbeing
Insights from the Future Proofing Study, a longitudinal research project conducted by the Black Dog Institute, highlight the critical role that high-quality, consistent sleep plays in supporting adolescent wellbeing. Alarmingly, the data shows that many teenagers are not achieving the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep per night or maintaining regular sleep and wake schedules.
To mark Sleep Health Week, the Black Dog Institute and the Sleep Health Foundation will co-host a free 45-minute live webinar titled Sleep On It: The Missing Link in Student Wellbeing. Designed for teachers and parents, the session will take place on Monday 11 August at 4:00pm and aims to explore practical approaches for supporting healthy sleep habits among young people.
The webinar will:
- highlight key findings from the Future Proofing Study relating to adolescent sleep
- offer strategies parents can use to foster better sleep routines at home
- introduce Sleep Ninja for the Classroom – an engaging, curriculum-aligned sleep education program for Years 5-8 that Santa Sabina will proudly pilot as part of our commitment to student wellbeing.
Presenters include:
- Kate Maston, Black Dog Institute Psychologist and Future Proofing Program Manager
- Kayla Grant, PDHPE Teacher and Wellbeing Advisor
- Dr Linda Schachter, Sleep and Respiratory Physician
- Dr Moira Junge, Sleep Health Foundation CEO and Health Psychologist (Facilitator).
When registering, participants can submit questions for the panellists to address during the session.
Elise Whiley
Director of Student Wellbeing 7-12