21 November 2024
Wellbeing Check-ins
We have exciting plans to complete a deep analysis of our wellbeing data, once all entries are submitted for 2024. Mood is measured every week, as a general wellbeing indicator, followed by two questions about a specific wellbeing domain. Pleasingly, the data already indicates that our students rate themselves very highly (Positive or Strongly Positive) for most wellbeing domains.
Coping is our lowest scoring wellbeing domain, especially at certain times of the year, which has already triggered professional conversations about how our programs might address this issue. Can we support students to develop even better coping strategies in the future or can we adapt our approaches to assessment, by spreading deadlines more evenly across each term?
Breathwork for Emotional Fitness
Norwood Concert Hall – 7 November
In addition to meditation practice in Wellbeing lessons, the Week 5 Breathwork For Emotional Fitness session for Year 10 students, is a good example of a coping strategy which we can teach, to respond to the findings of our own student wellbeing data. Hosted by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, and facilitated by The Big AL Foundation, this comprehensive workshop aims to educate students on the importance of functional breathing and its impact on mental and emotional fitness. Through interactive sessions, practical exercises, and guided activities, our Year 10 Wellbeing, Health and PE students learned how to breathe correctly to manage stress, anxiety, and enhance overall mental and emotional wellbeing.
PESA Year 8 Youth Symposium
Scotch College – Wed 20 November
One boy from each of our 10 houses was selected to attend this unique Wellbeing-focussed event at Scotch College in their new Wellbeing Centre. Created specifically for Year 8 students, guest speakers encouraged the students to contribute to debates and workshops which focus upon factors which influence the wellbeing of young people. Our Year 8 representatives also presented to the entire group on ‘What Went Well’ in Wellbeing @ St Peter’s College in 2024.
A visit from The Commissioner for Young People
Monday 25 November
The Commissioner for Young People, Helen Connolly, will visit St Peter’s College to conduct a consultation with a sample group of our Year 10 students. The consultation will focus upon current issues surrounding the mental health of young men. In particular the focus will be upon “finding their place as a male in their community, and their experience of belonging”. The Commissioner will ask our boys:
What the good and hard things are about being male?
What are the greatest societal pressures on boys?
What makes boys feel included and understood?
What are their ideas to improve gender equality in South Australia?
I have selected the Year 10 Leadership and Psychology class as a group who are likely to have valuable opinions on the current state of youth male health. It also provides this class with another opportunity to ask questions of a Leader in society, to further enhance their leadership studies.
Sean Inman
Head of Wellbeing Programs
