At WBHS, we pride ourselves on our whole school wellbeing strategy that is aligned with evidenced-based practices, quality wellbeing resources and effective support services. To do this we have developed and implemented quality co-curricular programs to meet the needs of a wide range of students.
Student welfare at WBHS includes:
- programs to meet the personal, social and learning needs of the students.
- monitoring student attendance and strategies for improvement
- early intervention programs for students at risk
- student, family, and community support networks
- opportunities that the school provides for students to
- enjoy success and recognition
- make a useful contribution to the life of the school
- derive enjoyment from their learning.
In 2021 we were able to incorporate the following programs and events to support the students at our school:
Year 7 camp
The idea of the camp is for students to form friendships outside of their primary school friend groups, to build confidence in themselves and develop their collaboration skills. A great time was had by Year 7's and staff at the Great Aussie Bush Camp.
Silent Disco
Years 8, 9 and 10 had fun with 'Playground Sounds' to celebrate the end of a fantastic semester. Each student was given a set of headphones with 2 channels of music and could take part in a silent disco. They were really enthusiastic and encouraging of each other. We also saw some “interesting” dance moves that we will never forget!
Youth Week and Wellbeing Mural
Youth Week aims to provide a platform for young people to connect with friends, develop new skills and have fun by organising several community-focused events. WBHS celebrated National Youth Week in style and students created a new mural to represent the feeling of belonging and inclusion for all students at our school.
Love Bites
During Term 2 students in Year 10 participated in ‘Love Bites’, a respectful relationships education program exploring issues of safety and trust, relationship violence, sex and relationships, consent and the law. Students were able to discuss and learn about their rights and responsibilities in relationships, and look at ways to access support when needed, in a safe and supportive environment. The program culminated in students creating individual and collaborative artworks based on the content covered throughout the day.
Internal Programs delivered by the Student Support Officer
Our Student Support Officer implemented several internal programs through the year.
Programs for boys focused on social education and mentoring to improve students’ mental health and social wellbeing. This program was designed to foster young men’s inclusion, building their resilience, and empowering them to reach their full potential. Programs were delivered for selected female students in Stage 4 who required support with building positive self-esteem, relationships and self-worth, body image, personal hygiene, and bullying.
This program was effective in developing positive friendships and resilience.
Wellbeing Workshops Years 7-10
Students from Years 7-10 experienced an educational theatre production “The Hurting Game” delivered by Brainstorm Productions that explored online safety, cyber bullying, resilience and mental health through a funny and engaging live performance. Students were involved in discussions at the end of the performance to raise important questions about online safety and positive relationships, strategies for resilience and how to seek help. These programs are developed in consultation with education and mental health experts and the production uses real student experiences to engage. Students felt that this production gave them some practical tools to stay safe, connected and resilient in the face of challenges as a teenager.
Focus Day - Raw Challenge
On Thursday 26th February, 100 Year 9 students attended the RAW Challenge at Doyalson. Students arrived at 10am and changed into their oldest clothes, as they were about to experience a tough muddy challenge. After a quick talk from the RAW crew students broke into 3 groups. The course was not a race by rather a test of endurance, aimed at goal setting and helping students to be able to overcome their fears. But the greatest thing to see was the way the students cheered on their peers and helped them to tackle the obstacles and struggles they were having. A truly fantastic experience for both staff and students.
Year 11 Life Ready
In 2021 Year 11 experienced a variety of educational and engaging workshops covering a wide range of areas under the 'Life Ready' program. Teachers at WBHS developed and refined workshop material to create experiential activities for the students.
The 'Life Ready' initiative focuses on the idea that “most young people move through adolescence without great difficulty. When they feel positive about their health, safety, wellbeing and future, young people are more likely to achieve better educational outcomes, make successful transitions to work and further education, develop healthy adult lifestyles, experience fewer challenges forming relationships and become more actively engaged citizens. Secondary students are a diverse group. They vary in their levels of maturity and in their ability to manage changes and challenges at this time of life. The way in which young people plan for and respond to these situations can have a significant impact on their future.”
Students experienced workshops covering relationships, mental health and wellbeing, sexuality and sexual health, drugs and alcohol, careers options and study skills. Each workshop was specifically designed to address the needs of young people in an open and safe forum where students developed a greater awareness of themselves, their relationships with others and how their approach to life can be influenced by positive self-talk. Both teachers and students should be celebrated for their collaboration and exploration of issues that young adults feel empowered by. Well done to the school community.
Roadwhyz
The Life Ready Roadwhyz Program for Year 11 and 12 students focused on ‘Safe Travel’. Roadwhyz empowers students with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe on the roads. Students completed a survey, with most students stating that the program enhanced their understanding of the impact of poor decision-making on their own and others’ lives when driving. 4 lucky students received free driving lessons for their exemplary behaviour and commitment throughout the year.
Year 12 Dress-Up day
Year 12 students were invited to a fun BBQ, with many students taking advantage of the 'dress-up' opportunity. It was a great time spent relaxing with friends and teachers, and generally having some time-out from studying before their HSC exams.
Year 12 Easter Raffle
Year 12 organised and ran a monster Easter Raffle and there were plenty of chances to win.
Prizes included: 2 Large baskets of mixed Easter eggs and chocolate, and 8 Smaller baskets and gift boxes of eggs and bunnies.
Year 12 Farewell
In 2021 the Year 12 Graduation was another success with many heartfelt speeches from the Year Advisers wishing their students luck with advice for their futures (and a few tears were shed by all). Although due to Covid restrictions parents were unable to attend, the graduation was filmed so that parents were able to watch their children receive their certificates and celebrate the end of high school.
Sorry Day
The Junior AECG observed the National Sorry Day with the whole school on assembly on Wednesday 26th May.
Leapfrog Program
The Year 6-7 'Leapfrog Transition Program' was co-ordinated and implemented as an online alternative for 20 students. The program was developed for students requiring individualised attention and support when moving into a large comprehensive high school. Parent and student anecdotal feedback has continued to be positive particularly in relation to the effective collaboration with partner primary schools.
