Wellbeing
At Iona Presentation College, we are committed to equipping Ionians with the skills they need to thrive in both their schooling life and their life beyond the College. This means that wellbeing, positive mental health practices and emotional literacy are interwoven with the educational experience, so that our students can learn to have the best relationship with themselves and with others.
Junior School Wellbeing
Our Junior School has enjoyed a successful partnership with The Resilience Project for several years now. The evidence-based program has allowed our students to continue to grow in their knowledge and application of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness in their daily lives. The heart of the program is underpinned by emotional literacy, with the aim to provide each child with the skills and tools to describe how they are feeling.
We celebrate each child’s individuality, are attentive to their wellbeing and recognise the value that every student adds in strengthening the culture of our Junior School community.
Learning spaces are designed to give students flexibility and autonomy in how they choose to learn, with students in the upper Junior years sometimes choosing to study out in the purpose-built Wellbeing Courtyard.
Each semester, our Junior School celebrates YAY Week! – a highly-anticipated week that brings wellbeing practices to the fore. Students enjoy an array of activities such as meditation, yoga and mindfulness tasks, go homework free for the week and are encouraged to use the extra time to meaningfully connect with their loved ones. YAY Week! is always a highlight on the Junior School calendar and reminds our students to make their wellbeing a priority.
Senior School Wellbeing
At the Senior School, wellbeing programs for each year group are specifically designed to meet the needs of students within that cohort and are revised at the end of each year to address the needs of the next incoming class.
Each year group enjoy Wellbeing Days throughout the year that allows them time to meaningfully connect with their peers and hear from a range of guest speakers. Speakers, who are experts in their fields, impart practical knowledge to students on how to best take care of themselves and others.
Year 7 - Step Up and Take the Challenge
The Year 7 Get Real Program focuses on the development of four areas:
R = Relationships
Students are taught and encouraged to build and maintain respectful relationships.
E = Environment
Students feel safe and well-nurtured as students and as part of a larger Iona community.
A = Achievement
Students are motivated to achieve personally and academically.
L = Leadership
All students work individually and with staff to realise their potential. They are also encouraged to accept the challenges they face by formulating plans, goals and timelines.
In addition to the Get Real Program, students are also given the opportunity to participate in the Peer Support Program with Year 11 students.
Year 8 - Building Resilience
The Year 8 Pastoral Care program has been intentionally designed to build students’ capacity to sit with discomfort and tolerate uncertainty. In our complex and ever-changing world, this acknowledges the importance of actively fostering reflection, resilience, agility and adaptability in our young people. Year 8 students will participate in a range of practical and theoretical experiences around these themes.
Year 9 - Making a Positive Difference
In Year 9, students are given an array of opportunities to flourish by focusing on their mental and physical wellbeing. It is here, through the support of external groups and weekly programs that students come together under the umbrella of 'Year 9 Girls are GREAT’.
Year 10 - Prepare for Success
The common focus for students in Year 10 is 'positive choices'. With the support of Homeroom teachers, expert personnel and programs, students are given information that assists them in making informed decisions that reflect a healthy positive attitude to self and to others.
Year 11 - Pathways to Excellence
In Year 11, whilst academic study is the focus, our young women are given opportunities to develop their talents in unity and to respect one another's differences. To this end, many guest speakers are sought and specialist programs are fully utilised to ensure that students 'make the transition to independence’.
Year 12 - Looking Beyond School
The major focus in Year 12 is to nurture, guide and motivate students to make the most of their final year at the College. There is an emphasis to strive for personal academic success in both the ATAR and Access pathways. It is also about creating a healthy balance between study, Co-curricular commitments, family and friends.
The Year 12 pastoral care program centres on the role of leadership, service and in becoming responsible young adults.
It is also about preparing students for life after school and fostering an environment where each Ionian leaves the College with the best possible opportunity to pursue their future interests and make good choices.
We encourage our Year 12 students to strive for academic excellence, to develop their social conscience and faith, and for them to enrich the wider community.
Health Centre and Student Support
When Your Child Needs Support
The Senior School campus has two psychologists, and the Junior School has a dedicated social worker, all who promote the mental health and wellbeing of your child, and provide counselling to any student who might want to talk to someone about issues such as:
- emotional difficulties including sadness, worry, anger, stress and anxiety
- friendship issues
- family conflict
- study techniques
- relaxation techniques
The College psychologists and social worker assist the Head of Junior School, Head of Senior School – Wellbeing, and Heads of Year in delivering the Wellbeing Programs for each year group.
College psychologists can also assist with the learning needs of your child. This may involve referral for psychometric assessment and recommendations to improve learning skills. Students may self-refer or be referred by their parents or teachers.
The College psychologists adhere to the Australian Psychological Society's Code of Ethics. This includes keeping conversations with students confidential. The exception to this is if someone is at risk of harm, then confidentiality may need to be broken in order to ensure the individual's safety.
House Structure
Why Choose Iona
