Dear St Gregory's College Community,
As we move into the heart of the school year, it is heartening to witness the vibrant community spirit and the remarkable focus on student wellbeing throughout the College. This past week has been particularly special as we celebrated Wellness Week, the theme this year is HUMAN CONNECTION, A SMILE or INTERACTION. This was capped by an unforgettable RUOK? Day Assembly that brought us all together in support of mental health and wellbeing.
Wellness Week Highlights: Futsal and Basketball Challenges
Our Wellness Week kicked off with a great sense of camaraderie, energy, and fun. Students and staff alike participated in a series of Futsal and Basketball challenges which fostered healthy competition and teamwork across all year levels. The enthusiasm on the courts was contagious, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together in such a positive way, promoting physical health and wellbeing. Congratulations to all teams for their participation, and a special shout-out to our champions who showed both skill and sportsmanship.
RUOK? Day Assembly: A Powerful Celebration of Wellbeing
The RUOK Day Assembly was a highlight of the week, filled with powerful moments that truly brought our community closer. The assembly began with an uplifting performance by the Junior Wellbeing ambassadors and Junior school choir, who sang a heartfelt rendition of “We Are the World” Their voices echoed unity and hope, setting a meaningful tone for the rest of the event.
Our senior students then took to the stage with an emotional and impactful slam poetry performance, which captured the audience’s attention and left us all inspired and cheering. Their words spoke deeply to the challenges young people face today, the importance of human connection and their delivery was nothing short of spectacular.
Perhaps the most moving moment of the assembly was when William Stokes, a Year 12 student, bravely shared his personal story regarding his own wellbeing journey. His honesty and courage touched us all, reminding us of the importance of reaching out and supporting one another. William's vulnerability resonated with many, and his message of resilience was a powerful reminder of the strength within our community.
Matt Caruana's Inspiring Presentation
Late last week, students from Years 9 to 12 were privileged to hear an inspiring presentation from Matt Caruana, who spoke about overcoming adversity and the importance of mental health. Matt’s powerful story and message of resilience left a lasting impact on our students. His openness about his own challenges and the strategies he used to overcome them were both thought-provoking and motivational. We are grateful to Matt for sharing his journey with us, and it was clear that many students left the presentation with a renewed sense of hope and determination.
Introducing the Wellbeing Ambassadors
Another exciting development in the College’s focus on student wellbeing is the introduction of our new Wellbeing Ambassadors. This initiative has been a fantastic way to involve students in promoting mental health awareness and support within the school. Our Wellbeing Ambassadors have already made significant strides in the Junior School, where they have been leading discussions on mental health, organising wellness activities, and serving as role models for their peers. Their work has been invaluable, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impact they will make throughout the school community.
In closing, I would like to thank all the students, staff, and families who contributed to making Wellness Week and RUOK? Day such a success. It is through events like these that we are reminded of the strength of our community and the importance of looking out for one another.
Let’s continue this journey of fostering a supportive, inclusive, and caring environment for all.
Warm regards,
Mr Vetrano
Director of Students