Dear Parents/Carers & Community Members

This week I had the pleasure to attend the launch of the Catholic School Diocese of Maitland/Newcastle new Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Framework and policy.  Given the stressful times that our community has been through over the past few years with COVID, floods and fires, many people including our students are struggling with a variety of issues related to their wellbeing.

We as a school are continually reviewing our policies and practices regarding wellbeing, from the creation of a positive education Framework (CLARE) a few years back to the implementation of CLARE lessons into the timetable and in 2022 the implementation of the Learning Curve Wellbeing program in Year 7 to 10 and the extension of the program into Year 11 and 12 in 2023.

Teachers have also been undertaking training to enhance their skills in dealing with the increasing number of students with concerns regarding their wellbeing, especially anxiety and other mental health issues.  Our leaders of Wellbeing and Engagement (Year Coordinators) have participated in Accidental Counsellor and Mental Health First Aid Training.

The CSO Wellbeing Framework launched yesterday at St Joseph’s Primary, Wingham builds on what we are already doing in regard to wellbeing in schools.  It specifically focuses on the importance of Student Voice.  See Diagram Below:

Student Wellbeing

Refers to a positive sense of self and belonging and the skills to make positive and healthy choices to support learning and achievement, provided in a safe and accepting environment for all students. Student wellbeing encompasses the multi-dimensional and interconnected domains of cognitive, emotional, social, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. (2022 – CSO Maitland Newcastle ‘Wellbeing Together’ Framework.)

Regards

Mr Phil Gibney
Acting Principal