Reflecting on Wellbeing Day

Well, I would not have thought that being dunked in a tub of icy cold water on the first day of winter would be as pleasant as it ended up being! Now, do not get me wrong. I am not about to suggest that ‘Dunk the Principal’ become a daily feature of Newcomb Secondary College, but I must admit that once I got out of the tub, dried off and thawed out, I actually felt refreshed and energised! For those students who hit the target, well done. It was certainly a lot of fun!

If you wonder why we had a dunking tank at the College last Thursday, well, it was all part of the fantastic ‘Wellbeing Day’ activities. Taking a moment to pause and focus our energy and efforts on the wellbeing of ourselves and those around us, is so important. It was extremely pleasing to see students depart the College on Thursday with big smiles on their faces and a spring in their step. Our apologies to our community about the state of their clothing (thanks colour run!). The day commenced with an Assembly that featured an inspiring speech by the State Member for Geelong, and good friend of the College, Ms Christine Couzens. She spoke openly about her life challenges and how she, through determination and self-awareness, forged such a successful career representing the people of our region for more than three terms now in parliament.

As part of the Assembly, we posed a question to students. How can you contribute to the health and wellbeing of yourself and others within our school and within our local community?

In response, and so students can positively contribute, we suggested that to do so students focus on:

Connecting

Connecting with others can help us feel close to people, and valued for who we are. Being social means different things for different people. You might prefer being in quieter situations with one other person, or you might like being in big groups. You might like to connect with people online, or you might enjoy phone calls or sending letters.

Form Positive Relationships

Being in a loving and healthy relationship, romantic or platonic, can give a person a sense of purpose and fulfillment. In fact, supporting others will in turn make yourself happier and stronger!

Get Active

There are lots of different things you can do to be a bit more active. Studies have shown that getting active can help you sleep better, have happier moods, and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and racing thoughts.

Take Notice

Reminding yourself to take notice can help you to be aware of how you are feeling. It can help you understand what triggers your feelings of stress or anxiety. Some studies have shown that savouring ‘the moment’ can also help you to feel more positive about life.

Learn

We are always learning new things, often without realising it. Feeling like you are learning and developing can boost your self-esteem. Sometimes, setting goals can help you to feel more productive and more in control of your life.

Be Kind, Considerate and Caring, to self and to others

Talk kindly to yourself and others, practice gratitude, perform acts of kindness to others, reflect daily, focus on self-care, be responsible for your wellbeing, practice mindfulness, spend some time in nature, think of the opportunities.

I encourage you to find an opportunity to have a conversation with your student about their health and wellbeing, where they fit in our community and how they can make positive contributions to themselves and others.

Together, we need to ensure we are a community that cares. A community that has a commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for ourselves and for each other, just as Newcomb Secondary College strives to achieve each and every day.

Thanks to all who assisted in the planning and facilitation of the Wellbeing Day. It was certainly a highlight of the term and a day that we hope to further grow in 2024 and beyond.

Have a great week!

Mr McLeod

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Mr Scott McLeod, Acting Principal
Mr James Murphy, Assistant Principal
Mr Jeremy Sinclair, Acting Assistant Principal