Focus on Wellbeing
Padua College continues to focus on building resilience and supporting our students with solution focussed strategies they can use both in the classroom and other aspects of their lives. Recently the focus of our eXcel lessons addressed this specific theme.
Junior Excel - Curiosity – Transforming Tasks
In this lesson, students will develop curiosity and interest through problem-solving and generating alternative solutions and pathways. This will be done by understanding the role of curiosity and fun in creating alternative solutions.
Senior Excel – Amp up your Motivation
In this lesson students will look at what motivation they have in life and how they can use this to succeed in different situations. They will do this by exploring a range of ways to develop intrinsic motivation and construct a plan to implement strategies in everyday life.
The next session will also be a split session with the students focussing on a ‘Wellness Check-In’ and feedback to student leadership opportunities while the seniors will hear a presentation from the Pat Cronin Foundation. The Pat Cronin Foundation provides an optimistic voice and empowering approach to awareness, education, and research—working with schools, clubs, community groups and young people to End the Coward Punch. The presentation is empowering for our student body, assisting them with how to handle conflict, look after their mates and make wise decisions.
Our eXcel program (Enable, Connect, Engage & Learn) is central in facilitating the whole school approach to a sense of wellbeing for our students and fits within the broaden context of creating Respectful Relationships, promoting positive masculinities and encouraging our students to be MORE (Models of Respect & Equity).
eXcel Days
Our Year Level eXcel Days also provided targets to focus on specific elements of wellbeing for the year level cohorts which help them to thrive in high school, use their God-given talents and learn when to put boundaries into their friendships. We started the eXcel Day with a prayer liturgy to ensure the students are grounded and connected to faith as an important way of recognising each student's God-given talents. Then the students were treated to presentations from Sharon Witt, one of Australia's leading authors of books for children and teens on growing up, resilience, and wellbeing. An educator of over 30 years, she is a sought-after presenter in schools, conferences and is often called upon in the media. https://www.sharonwitt.com.au . This was followed up by a session with Brainstorm Productions of their “Wired” show. This live performance for high school students explores cyberbullying and mental health, and provides strategies for resilience, help-seeking and positive relationships. https://www.brainstormproductions.edu.au/high-school-programs/wired . In the coming weeks, the other campuses will have the opportunity to participate in their Year 7 eXcel Day.
Year 12 Teenage Road Accident Group (TRAG)
Also recently our Year 12 students went offsite for a presentation by TRAG (teenage road accident group). TRAG is the final element of the three-year road safety program that Padua College offers, aimed at highlighting the awareness of young people to the dangers of modern driving. Members of the TRAG community consisting of CFA members, Ambulance and Police Officers, and those who have first-hand experience with road trauma shared their lived experience. Our students were lucky enough to have Sam Groth MP, participate in the experience with them.
Uniform Provides a Sense of Community Pride in 125 years
Padua College is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for all members of our community. Open communication between the College and you as parents and guardians is pivotal to the success of this endeavour. The basic pillars of this is respect. Throughout term two we will continue to remind students of the following:
- Respect for yourself to be the best you can be in all areas of life.
- Respect for your peers inside the classroom and outside in the yard.
- Respect for the teachers as they work diligently to see you thrive.
- Respect for the environment we all share.
One way in which we encourage our high expectations at Padua, is in the way we present ourselves to the community through our uniform. The school uniform identifies members of Padua College. It assists in creating an atmosphere of pride, loyalty and equity. All students enter class as equals as far as image and dress are concerned; their individuality comes from their attitude, character, spirit, and involvement.
We draw your attention to the most common issues our staff have been dealing with so far this year and ask that your support in helping us maintain the high standard we expect as a College community.
- Blazer (Must be worn to and from school through the year – if cold/wet the Padua softshell waterproof jacket is permitted to be worn over the blazer)
- Hair (Hair is to be clean and tidy and one natural hair colour; tied back off the collar and all students must be clean shaven)
- Jewellery & Make Up: One earring per ear in the ear lobe (small stud or sleeper). No other jewellery is permitted and clear plastic studs and band aids to cover piercings are not permitted. Excess jewellery will be confiscated. Make up is to be kept to a minimum and must be natural looking. Clear nail polish is permitted.
- School shoes (Black leather lace-up or T-bar school shoes. No soft or suede or boots. Skate shoes or black runners are not permitted)
- Socks (Navy blue short or knee-high socks)
IMPORTANT INFORMATION – Phase Out of Items
Two older uniform items have been phased out from 2020. The White Polo T-Shirt and Blue Polar Fleece are no longer part of the uniform for students Year 7-11. (The final cohort to wear these will be Year 12). These items are no longer in production and our uniform shops do not stock them; new families should not be purchasing these second hand.
- Blue Polar Fleece is now replaced by Soft-shell Spray Jacket or New Rugby Top
- White Polo T-Shirt with blue collar replaced by Blue Sports Polo T-Shirt
Uniforms can be purchased via the Dobsons Online Shop at https://dobsons.com.au/schools.... Alternatively, Dobsons Uniform Shop opening hours at Mornington and Rosebud can be found at https://www.padua.vic.edu.au/e....
Uniform checks are completed on a regular basis, and we simultaneously recognise and reward those students doing the right thing, whilst reverting to measures to maintain our standard with consequences for those students blatantly disregarding our rules and expectations. Your support in these areas allows for staff to spend time focussing on supporting the students both academically and pastorally.
Vaping
Despite recent media reports of the significant harm caused by this activity, the use of e-cigarettes and ‘vaping’ by adolescents in the Mornington Peninsula has been increasing.
Even though it is illegal to sell vaping devices to people under the age of 18, young people are accessing these devices in various ways, including over the internet. E-cigarettes might be shaped like cigarettes, pens, USB sticks or other common items. In addition to various chemicals, e-cigarettes often have fruit and confectionery flavours, to appeal to young people.
E-cigarettes fall under the tobacco laws in Victoria. Therefore, it is illegal to:
- smoke or use e-cigarettes on school premises or within 4 metres of any access point to school premises
- smoke or use e-cigarettes during school events and excursions held off school premises
- sell cigarettes and e-cigarettes to people under 18 years of age
- smoke or use e-cigarettes in a motor vehicle if a person under 18 years is also present
Our students learn about the harms associated with ‘vaping’ as part of the Health Education curriculum in Year 7 & 8 and I have shared Dr Michael Carr-Gregg’s ‘School TV’ episode on this topic in the Paduan and on the College Website.
Many teenagers are succumbing to peer pressure around this risk-taking activity due to the ease of accessing and hiding vapes. These teenagers are unaware of the associated risks and potential impact vaping can have on their development and overall health. Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of nicotine addiction and include e-cigarettes in the discussion alongside alcohol and drugs. Should you be aware of a vendor selling e-cigarettes to people under the 18 years of age we encourage you to report them to the local police.
Students found ‘vaping’ at school or in the deliberate presence will be suspended and required to engage in material about the harms and risks of this behaviour.
For your reference, a factsheet about e-cigarettes published by the Department of Health is attached. The following websites also provide further information that may be of interest and assistance to you:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/e-cigarettes
https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-health/protecting-your-lungs/e-cigarettes-and-vaping
We ask that you discuss with your child the health risks and laws associated with vaping and reinforce the importance of making healthy and safe choices.
School TV
Today parents face a multitude of modern-day challenges in raising happy, well, and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.
At Padua College we have subscribed to SchoolTV an online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. Here, you'll find a range of topics each published monthly with comprehensive videos from leading specialists and organisations.
This is one of the many links provided in the Wellbeing Resources Website
The information can be accessed by visiting the College website:
PADUA COMMUNITY > Padua Parents > SchoolTV or following the below link
Link - School TV https://padua.catholic.schooltv.me/launch
This month on SchoolTV - The State of Youth Mental Health
Parents and carers can play a crucial role in their children's mental health. As a result, staying informed on the current state of youth mental health is vital, as it not only affects individuals, but also families and communities. According to recent research, the frequency of mental health disorders among young people is increasing, with anxiety, depression, and self-harm being among the most common challenges.
One of the reasons being attributed to this rise is the heightened stress and anxiety that many young people face in today's society. Academic success, social media, and family issues are all influencing factors. Many young people are still suffering the long-term consequences of the pandemic, such as social isolation, uncertainty, and loss.
Parents can play an important role in their children's mental health. Creating a safe and open environment for your children to talk about their emotions, thoughts, and feelings is vital. Encouraging healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and proper sleep can help reduce their stress levels and boost your child's overall mental health. There are also many resources and services available to children, adolescents, and their families, such as school counsellors, various mental health organisations, support lines, and of course, mental health professionals. It is important to remember that seeking help is a show of strength, not weakness, and that early intervention is critical in addressing young people's mental health difficulties.
This edition of SchoolTV, discusses some of the major mental health issues affecting young people and how to support a child experiencing them. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to this month's edition https://padua.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/state-youth-mental-health
