Wellbeing Report – August 17, 2017

Keeping Safe: Information for- Parents

As part of St Patrick’s College mission to create a safe and secure learning environment for our students, it is crucial that our broader community of parents are well-informed with the latest information and research available, so we can work as partners to keep our students safe.- This week’s focus is to outline the structure of the Keeping Safe curriculum program.

The Keeping Safe curriculum (SA DECD) is divided in to separate documents for specific age ranges.- For secondary schools, it is divided in to two documents: Years 7-9 and Years 10-12.- The curriculum is predicated on two main themes which are presented through topics and activities of increasing complexity.- The two broader themes are -‘We all have the right to be safe’ and -‘We can help ourselves to be safe by talking to people we trust’.- These two broad themes are explored through four focus areas, which grow in complexity in accordance with different age ranges.

The first focus area is: The right to be safe.- This focus area involves young people learning about the various feelings they might have in different situations.- They are taught about warning signs; the external signals and internal messages (emotion/feeling) that help young people recognise a situation where they may be at risk of harm.-

The second focus area is: Relationships.- This focus area involves students exploring the concept of power in a relationship, harassment and bullying, and rights and responsibilities in relationships.- Students identify and work towards building a network of trusted people.

The third focus area is: Recognising and reporting abuse.- This focus area involves using stories, songs and media clips from popular culture, to explore abuse issues using a critical literacy approach.- Students also explore issues related to cyber safety and cyberbullying and learn strategies to solve problems.

The final focus area is: Protective Strategies.- This focus area involves students exploring the concept of self-protection and learning to develop help seeking strategies.- This is linked back to the notion of building a trusted network of people.

The Keeping Safe curriculum is designed to enhance the emotional intelligence of our students, so that they may develop the skills needed to navigate this world, especially in regards to understanding their rights, building positive and trusting relationships, and recognising and reporting abuse.

Whole Year Level Programs -“ Semester two

Please take note of the following date:

• Monday 27^th– November -“ The Resilience Project -“ All Year 10 students

For more information on our Pastoral Care program, please visit:

https://www.stpats.vic.edu.au/en/st-patricks-college/pastoral-care/

I would encourage all students and parents to fully engage and participate in all of our wellbeing programs on offer, as they are an integral element of our broader mission to educate the whole person.

Kind regards,- Bradley Murray, Pastoral Care Coordinator

How To Get Through The Winter Blues

At this time of the year it is important to get the balance right between looking after our mental and physical health. Here are a few possibilities to explore with your sons in conversation-¦

• When the sun is out get out in the sun as much as possible. This might just mean getting out at recess or lunch time. It could also mean having a break from iPads and phones over the weekend and getting out for hot chocolate or lunch as a family.

• Talk to your sons about making sure they understand that winter, and colds and coughs, will pass. If they are run down and need to take a break and rest, or go to bed early then please encourage them to do so. We need to listen to our bodies and educate the students to do so as well.

• Exercise- we all only need about 30 minutes of exercise daily. If this is too much try three times a week. Do something with your sons. They might moan and groan but in years to come they will remember the time you put aside for them. Everyone benefits.

• If you feel your son is not travelling well through winter and would like some support do not wait for them to come to you. We really encourage parents to contact one of the counselling team at school and we can see the boys confidentially and most importantly proactively.

We all live very busy lives. However, communication is one of the greatest gifts family can give to each other. At St Patrick’s College, we value working with and learning all there is to know about how we can support you in raising your sons. Please do not hesitate to contact the College to have a conversation about your sons. We are here to help.

Eric, Gerard and Bec

–