Newsletter Article: Term 2, Week 2 2024

Welcome to Term 2

The Cor Unum Committee warmly welcomed the community back for Term 2 during our first assembly, setting the stage for the exciting events and opportunities ahead. Among these are the upcoming Cross Country, Madeleine Sophie Day celebrations, Pony Tail Project, and the Interschool Athletics Carnival, each contributing to our overarching goal of nurturing a strong sense of community.

Year 12 Formal

Friday night marked a memorable occasion as we gathered at The Greek Club to celebrate the Year 12 formal. It was an evening of elegance and significance, honouring this pivotal milestone in the journey of our Year 12 students. Their exemplary conduct and gratitude towards those who orchestrated the event were commendable. Watching them enjoy each other’s company, adorned in their finery, was truly delightful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Ms. Louise Meehan (Year 12 LoSW) for her outstanding efforts in organizing the evening, supported by the Events Committee, Millie Davis, and Kora Williams. Special appreciation also goes to Mrs. Ainsley Fahy for her invaluable administrative support.

Wise Wellness Program

Our Leaders of Student Wellbeing are committed to delivering another enriching term of Wise Wellness lessons, based in Positive Psychology, for your daughters. We are dedicated to providing an education that has the power to transform lives.

This term, our Leaders of Student Wellbeing have arranged a variety of engaging experiences.

Year 5 are engaging in the “U are Strong” program teaching them explicitly about friendships.  This term focuses on Friendship Fires, normal conflict that occurs with each friendship. Students are provided with strategies and role play situations where they may need to discuss an issue or conflict with a friend. Year 5 are also involved in meditation as part of wellness and being grateful for what we have in our lives through the completion of a gratitude journal.

In Wise Wellness, Year 7 – 12 a range of sessions facilitated by external experts have been planned. Already, the following presentations have taken place:

• Year 5: A workshop by Let’s Chat focusing an Introduction to Changing Bodies, the physical and emotional changes that occur as we grow through puberty.
• Year 7: A workshop by Bec from Lemonade Kids on navigating friendships
• Year 10: An informative talk by the Pelvic Pain Education Foundation on women’s health related to menstruation.
• Year 11: A session on Sexual Health by Joseph Debattista from Queensland Health
• Year 12: Banyans Health Group presented on “Flourishing, not Floundering” and “Relinquish and Replenish

Year 8 are looking forward to their Activity Day on May 10 led by Character Builders, geared towards building resilience and an awareness of their own character strengths. Year 9 will benefit from a presentation by Batyr on May 27, an organisation who specialise in encouraging young people to lead mentally healthy and fulfilling lives.

Parent Resources and Support

As we embark on a new term, it’s timely to reflect on the importance of effective routines. Our counsellors have provided a helpful resource on managing teenage routines to mitigate lateness, which you may find useful: How to manage teenage routines to mitigate lateness

Additionally, the Australian Government’s eSafety Commission has shared valuable guidance to help families support children who may be distressed by media news. Please refer to the following link for more information: eSafety-distressing news-Support for Australian families

Positive Expectations – Uniform

As we enjoy the cooler weather, please note the school blazer becomes compulsory for Year 7 – 12 when travelling to and from school from Tuesday May 7.

I wish you and your family blessings for the weeks ahead.

Elizabeth Foxover

Dean of Student Wellbeing