ST Mary Mackillop College takes great pride in providing all students access to a safe and supportive learning environment.
Director of wellbeing Mandy McCallum said the school was focussed on delivering high-quality programs across all year levels to promote resilience, positive mental health and empowerment.
“We have a wellbeing class scheduled into our timetable for all Year 7 and 8 students called The Resilience Project,” she said.
“Each fortnight the students learn about the four pillars which form the foundation of the program including gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and emotional literacy.
“Next term our Year 8 students will also be participating in a program facilitated by the Resilience Builders, which is is a five-week program focussed on building resilience within each student.”
Year 10 boys took part in a Pastoral Day program called ManCave, while Year 10 girls took part in Flourish Journey.
These programs are delivered by Melbourne-based providers once a year, and aim to empower boys and girls to be the best person they can be by identifying personal strengths and developing self-belief.
They also aim to take a strategic approach to preventing mental illness and ensuring young people recognise the signs they might be struggling and know where to go to for support.
Students are also advised about different organisations they can reach out to in times of need.
On a local front, the school has built a strong partnership with headspace Swan Hill, which supports the school and provides information to Year 11 and 12 students.
“Leaving school can be stressful time for some students, with big changes on the horizon and the pressures of exams or finding employment,” Mrs McCallum said.
“Headspace has many resources that are accessible via their website and the staff come in and ensure our students know what is available and how to navigate the website.
“We have also ran the 10-week I Can program that supports all students with autism via online activities.
“It gives those students a safe place to be themselves and encourages them to take leadership roles within their own communities.”
The school is also involved in The ReLate program which is trauma-informed education that equips staff to support the individual needs of students.
It also assists staff with strategies to encourage team support and self-care.
“Our Wellbeing Team consists of a psychologist who works two days per week and two student counsellors,” Mrs McCallum said.
“We aim to work together to create a positive future for all our students.”
