16 Mar 2018
Friday, March 9 the Year 7-9 boys and girls spent the day out of class attending a welfare program day. The program for the girls is designed to encourage confidence, strong self-esteem and positive body image along with discussion regarding safe and appropriate social media usage. The program for the boys is designed to encourage respectful relationships ad behaviour and teach life skills.
The boys started the day listening to Miss Bergan and some of our Year 12 students talking to them about how the boys' appearance and manners can influence how others judge them.
The boys were then divided into two groups. One half went to the MPU where Mr Hague taught them how to tie a tie, how to iron and fold clothes, and the boys practised having a shave. Several of the boys also lined up for a free hair cut from JL the Barber.
The other half of the group spent time with Mr Meredith who talked to the boys about respectful relationships and considering other people's emotions before speaking or acting. He used several of his life experiences to point out to the boys the consequences of disrespectful behaviours.
The boys then gathered in the MPU to hear JL tell us about his life. He had an amazing story to tell and the boys certainly learnt about making good decisions and the value of giving to our community.
After lunch the boys swapped over groups before ending the day with a game of footy or staying in the MPU.
The girls engaged in a series of workshops that allowed them to discuss various issues and participate in activities that fostered a strong sense of self.
The girls learnt valuable lessons from our staff members about confidence and self-esteem within themselves. The girls also learned about the importance of safe and appropriate behaviour on social media.
They finished the day this year with some face painting and a relaxation and stress relief exercise.
The program was enjoyed by all students and staff involved and the students were exemplary in their attitude, their willingness to take on board the messages, which at times were quite confronting. A big thank you to Kurrajong Catering for our great lunch and to Julie Barby for her fantastic cupcake treats. An enormous thank you to the staff involved, Mrs Meredith, Miss McInnes, Ms Momot, Miss Bergan and Mr Hague, Mr Meredith and Mr Bishop for their organisation of the workshops and their enthusiastic participation in the day and a big thanks to JL for coming over for the day for the boy's program.
