Student and staff connection
This latest lockdown has tested all of us but has also taught us how resilient and adaptive we can be. The prefects have shown great leadership organising a range of different activities for students to connect with each other and continue the whānau connection. House competitions have included talent quests, fort building and baking challenges!
Students have shared favourite bible verses and videos through social media to encourage the student population. Our peer support team have continued to connect with our Year 7 and 8 students through singing competitions and challenges. The sports department has been posting the weekly College Sport challenges, which has been a great way as a school community to compete with other schools during lockdown and look after the physical aspect of our hauora. You can check out the new school sports Instagram page @sanctamaria.sport.
Staff have also had to look at different ways of connecting with each other such as online quiz nights and it has reminded us all of the importance of relationships.
Mental Health Awareness Week
This week 27th September – 3rd October is Mental Health Awareness week. The focus this year has been ‘Take time to Kōrero’. It is a timely reminder to prioritise our wellbeing. We have challenged the students to get involved with the challenges for each day:
- Monday – Reconnect
- Tuesday – Nature
- Wednesday – Te Whare Tapa Wha
- Thursday – Kindness
- Friday – Reflection
The leaders of the student well-being committee also put a video together for the student body to share their thoughts on the importance of mental health. It is also important for us to share with our young people that we don’t feel ok all the time and that is normal. There are also lots of places we as adults can go to find support and talk about what is going on for us.
Student support
The main point of contact for our students at Sancta Maria College is a dedicated student number 021 246 3545 to reach the guidance counsellor. Jenny Goddard can be contacted by this phone number or by email: j.goddard@sanctamaria.school.nz.
Please remember, in crisis if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 111.
Below is also a list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information, and help.
- National helplines Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Yellow Brick Road also provides mental health support for families who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges.
Best wishes to your family during this time of lockdown. We are looking forward to when we will be able to reconnect with our students in person! Take care, and enjoy a well-earned school holiday break.
Ngā mihi
Ben Bacon
Director of Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
