ACADEMIC Resources to help boys thrive
We live in a complicated, highly-connected world. Life – and, in particular, adolescence – is not always easy. The Student Welfare committee, led by Year 13 student Jono Raymond, is dedicated to helping our students navigate these often turbulent years.
Launched at the start of Term 2, the new Student Wellbeing Page on Schoolbox is a student-run initiative devised by webmasters Year 13 student Caelan Murch and Year 12 student Harry Robson. The page provides links to a range of practical ideas and a rich trove of resources designed to help students in need and raise awareness of the importance of good mental health. “I’ve always been interested in helping people and this seemed a natural fit for my skills,” says Harry. “A lot of students can feel isolated and afraid to seek help. We want them to know they’re not on their own, many people share similar problems, and it’s always okay to reach out. Ultimately, our aim is to ensure the students can be at their best. Having a good sense of wellbeing, a healthy
mind and healthy body, is a good prerequisite for success.” Along with the web page, the committee has also come up with other ways to get the health and wellbeing message out, including a series of mental health awareness posters created by College art students, electronic messaging where appropriate, and the introduction of a peer support programme in 2018. They are planning an information blitz. It might take a cultural shift, but change is possible. “We’ve grown up in a society that says you have to be tough, can’t show weakness – and that’s one of the biggest problems, because people don’t want to appear to be weak. But some of the stats, especially New Zealand’s high youth suicide rate, are really distressing, and
depression, anxiety, stress, self- harm, and issues around drinking, drugs and sexuality are all very real,” says Caelan. By creating resources that engage with, educate and attract the attention of the students, the committee hopes to open a meaningful discussion around health and wellbeing and give all boys the tools to thrive. College Counsellor and Director of Positive Education & Wellbeing John Quinn has been working closely with the Student Welfare committee to support and drive these projects forwards.
“Ultimately, our aim is to ensure the students can be at their best.Having a good sense of wellbeing, a healthymind and healthy body, is a good prerequisite for success.” Harry Robson
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College Issue 33 2017
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