Pastoral Care Report – September 19, 2019

2019 Pastoral Care Program: Information for Parents

Both educators and parents can benefit greatly from maintaining a currency of knowledge in regards to the wellbeing of our young people. One way this can be achieved is through reading the latest research and/or ideas presented by leading professionals in the field of wellbeing and mental health.

One such book is called ‘The Prince Boofhead Syndrome’, by leading psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.  Dr Carr-Gregg was one of the founding members of the ‘National Coalition Against Bullying’, as well as founding the teenage cancer support group ‘Canteen’. He is also a board member of Project RockIt, Smiling Mind, Australian Psychological Society, and was also a board member for the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre, which focused on the latest trends and technology in the area of mental health for young people.  He has authored 10 books, and his book, ‘The Prince Boofhead Syndrome’ focuses on the challenging task of raising teenage boys. It is a must-read of all parents and teachers, and provides practical advice on how to manage young men at this very crucial stage in their lives. It also provides warning signs and strategies for managing for a variety of mental health and wellbeing concerns that young men will experience.

Another book, which formed the basis of our mindfulness program at St Patrick’s College, is ‘The Happiness Trap’, written by Dr Russ Harris.  With over 350,000 copies sold worldwide, it is a vital resource for anyone who has experienced stress or anxiety in their lives. It is a practical guide on how to use mindfulness to reduce stress, to develop empathy and gratitude, and to work towards living a happy and fulfilling life.

Please follow the links below to purchase these important resources:

https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Prince-Boofhead-Syndrome-Michael-Carr-Gregg/9780143784272 (currently 30% off)

https://www.bookdepository.com/Happiness-Trap-Russ-Harris/9781845298258 (currently 55% off)

Keeping Safe: Information for Parents

As part of St Patrick’s College mission to create a safe and secure learning environment for our students, it is crucial that our broader community of parents are well-informed with the latest information and research available, so we can work as partners to keep our students safe.  This week’s focus is to outline the third unit of the Keeping Safe curriculum: ‘Recognising and reporting abuse’.

For junior and middle school students, this component of the curriculum re-focuses on the group norms operating in the classroom, and defines the concept of personal space, in the context of public and private spaces in which students exist in a contemporary world. This also is defined in the context of privacy. The focus area also defines abuse, as well as exploring how abuse is recognized, and the related warning signs that students may experience or witness.  This unit also explores the impacts of cyber-related abuse, where students begin to develop an awareness of the internet, in the context of protecting themselves. For senior students, this component of the curriculum is similar to the junior and middle school, however, concepts such as grooming and digital reputations are explored in greater depth

I would encourage you to maintain an open dialogue with your sons regarding the importance of continuing to build a network of trusted people in their lives, and to maintain a currency of knowledge with regards to safe use of the Internet and digital devices.

For more information on our Pastoral Care program, please visit:

https://www.stpats.vic.edu.au/en/st-patricks-college/pastoral-care/

Kind regards,

Bradley Murray

Pastoral Care Coordinator