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To offer more diverse opportunities in the co-curricular
programme Junior Engineers, Chess and Debating has been
introduced.This will continue to be a focus in 2016, as we
ensure that a wide-range of programmes is available to
our girls.
In the Senior School new Years 7 and 8 pastoral programmes
included discussions revolving around the nature of healthy
friendships, the qualities that the students valued in their
close relationships and the effect of rumours on
relationships. Years 11 and 12 student leaders assisted in
facilitating discussions on how to navigate common
friendship issues faced by teenagers. A useful addition to the
programme has been the utilisation of resources from the
Ophelia Project, a non-profit organisation whose mission is
to help create a safe social climate for all children.
Development of study skills and work habits, taught in
conjunction with the growth mindset mantra, commenced
in Year 7 with a focus on organisational strategies and
monitoring action plans with a personal ‘Goal Thermometer’.
The new Buddy Programme, involving Year 7 and 11 girls,
included social activities directed at establishing a bond
between the girls, along with learning experiences, such as
mentoring the Year 7 students to manage their homework.
Our School counsellors worked with the senior students by
providing practical suggestions on how to manage anxiety
by establishing good habits, a balanced lifestyle, practising
Mindfulness and avoiding negative self-talk. Pilot study skills
programmes in Year 11 centred on focused learning and
adopting an independent and self-disciplined approach to
minimising distractions.
In recognition that our students are young adults who are on
the cusp of acquiring a much greater degree of
independence, it is important that they are exposed to the
realities of the world. Building on the Keys Please driving
programme at Year 10, this year Fit to Drive for Year 11
students has been introduced. Year 12 marks the last chapter
in students’ sessions with Mr Paul Dillon from Drug and
Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) who very
candidly discussed numerous issues related to risk taking
and harmminimisation. Complementing this initiative, the
organisation Red Frogs presented to students on ‘Staying
Safe at Schoolies’.
The Expanding Horizons Programme has been reviewed and
renamed New Horizons.The programme is undergoing
redevelopment to expose girls to real world challenges and
risk taking in new and varied environments.The experiences
are designed to allow the girls to extend themselves and to
become aware of self and others. At age appropriate levels
these include camping in tents and, at senior level, physical
challenges, such as a whitewater rafting expedition and a
seven-day bushwalk.
As a collaborative community the Parents of Ruyton (POR),
working with the School’s Senior School Counsellor, Ms Elise
Conabere, facilitated an informative parent education
programme, organising a number of seminars led by field
experts. Our Growing up Digital series took place earlier in
the year, continuing the involvement of Ms Robyn Treyvaud,
founder of Cyber Safe Kids.Two workshops for parents were
held: Distraction, Multi-tasking and Time Management, and
Growing Up Digital: A Student Perspective.The Fathering
Project, a non-profit organisation fromWestern Australia,
provided an informative evening where fathers were invited
to explore the importance of their role and to share strategies
to assist each other in our busy world. In addition we have
been privileged to have Dr Craig Hassed speak to teachers,
parents and students alike about Mindful Learning, covering
the science, practice and philosophy of mindfulness and how
it applies to learning, health and emotional development.
Student Wellbeing (Continued)
Annual Report 2015
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