Building Resilience - Head Start and One Challenge at a Time

HeadStart

While for parents and families November heralds that time of the year where things can ramp up leading into Christmas and all the festivities or can also be a real challenge and one’s anxiety levels start rising of the thought of expectations, family obligations and pressure to have everything right for the big day.

Term 4 and the impending move of HeadStart and the 2026 classes and curriculum can, for some teens also be met with these challenging levels of anxiety, fear of the unknown and a doubt as to whether they can cope with all the new ‘stuff’. These are all normal reactions and part of the learning journey as we navigate a path whereby, we utilise our God given talents; to be the best we can be in order to make a positive impact on the world.

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

An antidote to differing levels of anxiety is to celebrate those opportunities where resilience can be built. Renown Child Psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg was quoted as saying “Resilience is key to addressing mental health issues. We need to allow our kids to experience adversity. There is a tendency to shield our kids because parents have become a bit over-protective.”

While our modus operandi is not to unduly burden our students with deliberate challenges as a form of ill placed exposure therapy, the reality of the complex world we live in today provides these obstacles for us. Our role as parents and educators (and I am lucky enough to be both) is to prepare our young ones in their task to overcome the challenges and each navigate to their own North Star.

The Struggle of the Butterfly

For those who have watched a butterfly slowly emerge from its woven cocoon often describe the process of witnessing as painful. The struggle of the butterfly emphasises the final exit from the cocoon as the most gruelling part of its transformation. It is critical to these beautiful and colourful insects’ growth that they are not rescued from this challenge, as doing so will harm the butterfly’s ability to fully develop.

The struggle to open their cocoon is what builds the strength in their wings. Without the struggle, the emerging new butterfly lacks the strength to fly and embark on their new journey in the world.

Classes and the 2026 Academic Year

As mentioned above the challenge and excitement of the new academic year can itself present challenges for our emerging butterflies. I therefore thought it be beneficial for us to explain our processes for arranging classes, generally across the junior levels. (senior classes are determined by subject choice and student selection, and where those subjects appear on the timetable).

Friendships in adolescents have significant intrapersonal and interpersonal implications, and can significantly influence physical, social and emotional development. One of the many challenging aspects of remote learning for students in recent years was that schools ordinarily provide such a rich context in which to develop social and emotional skills, and this context was suddenly removed for extended periods. At Padua College, we are naturally aware of the importance of the peer group for young people at this age.

As a college, we are deeply committed to the principle that students of this age are best supported, in the long term, by having opportunities to learning with, and develop relationships with, a broad group of people. For this reason, we purposely mix students into new classroom groupings every year through the junior years. Prior to this stage we extensively consult with subject teachers (and primary schools for the incoming Year 7s), Learning Enhancement and the House Coordinators to ensure a balance as classrooms are principally about learning. While it would, of course, be comforting and reassuring to move from one year to the next in the same class as close friends, it can lead to difficulties; some in the short term, and some in the longer term.

In our experience, students who are good friends will continue to maintain connections at school during recess and lunchtime, and outside of school. Not being in class with friends does not result in ‘losing’ friendships.

It is an important life skill to be able to work with a broad group of people, some of whom we feel closer to than others. This is important in school, but also in work and in many social contexts. We are all unique individuals, and we all need to be able to get along with others.

Being placed into a new class group without existing close connections certainly can be challenging, but we believe it is a challenge through which students grow and mature. Facing challenges such as this positively is one concrete way to develop resilience.

Wisdom from the Elders

As a place of education we are all committed to the lifelong journey of learning. Below I have collated a plethora of resources that you may find useful in supporting the development of resilience and helping your child build the inner strength to cope with adversity, change and the challenges and obstacles, not only for the holiday period but as they grow into adulthood.

• School TV – Resilience Edition with Dr Michael Carr-Gregg and other Australian experts

https://padua.catholic.schooltv.me/

• Raising Children Network - Resilience in Teens -

https://raisingchildren.net.au/pre-teens/development/social-emotional-development/resilience-in-teens

• ReachOut Life skills and challenges

https://parents.au.reachout.com/life-skills-and-challenges

• Ted Talk: How To Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children – Australia’s own Lael Stone (12mins)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fL09e8Tm9c

• Ted Talk: Change Your Brain and Resilience - Lehan Stemmet (18 mins)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7XE9pYnC5E

• Book: Bounce Back by Wendy L. Moss
• Podcast: You Can't Grow It Alone (Resilience) - The Grow Your Mind Podcast

• Podcast: Well, hello anxiety: The Podcast

https://drjodirichardson.com/podcast/

eSafety Commissioner Resources Release - Social Media Age Restrictions

From 10 December 2025, new social media age restrictions will take effect across Australia. This national initiative, led by the eSafety Commissioner, aims to help protect young people online by ensuring that children only access social media platforms that are age-appropriate and that parents, schools, and educators are supported with clear guidance and resources.

The Social Media Age Restrictions (SMAR) Hub, launched by the eSafety Commissioner, is now live and provides up-to-date information for educators, parents, and students.

The Hub includes:

• Information for Educators – advice and printable guides designed for classroom and school use.
• Parent and Carer Resources – practical tips to help families navigate conversations about online safety and digital boundaries.
• Student Information – age-appropriate guidance to help young people understand their digital rights and responsibilities.

To help communities prepare, free professional learning webinars are now available for both educators and parents/carers. These sessions will explain what the new restrictions mean, how they will be implemented, and how families and schools can support young people during this transition.

We encourage all families to visit the eSafety Social Media Age Restrictions Hub to stay informed.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions-hub

This important initiative is a reminder of our shared responsibility to create a safer, more supportive online environment for all young Australians.

At Padua College we are committed to supporting families and the local community (also as a Lead School for Respectful Relationships) in this space. We have organised a parent/community seminar in conjunction with eSafety Commissioner and local advocate Wayne Holdsworth from SmackTalk, who has championed this reform. Together, we’ll explore what these changes mean for families, how to support young people through the transition, and what practical steps parents can take to stay informed and empowered.

📅 Date: Wednesday 26th November

📍 Location: Padua College Mornington: 62 Oakbank Road, Mornington

🕕 Time: 6pm – 8:30

🎟️ Free entry – all parents, carers, and educators welcome.
Stay tuned through our socials for the booking link

Students Posting on Social Media

As we continue to embrace the digital age, it's important to reflect on how our online presence intersects with our responsibilities as members of the Padua College community. One area of growing concern is the creation and sharing of social media content — particularly videos and images — while wearing the school uniform or filming on school grounds.

While students may see this as harmless fun or a way to express themselves, there are several important considerations that highlight why this practice is inappropriate and potentially harmful.

1. Protecting Student Safety and Privacy

When students post content in school uniform, they inadvertently reveal their school affiliation. This can expose them to risks such as:

• Scams and fraud
• Sexual grooming
• Identity theft
• Deepfake misuse

Images and videos shared online can be harvested, altered, or redistributed far beyond their intended audience. Once posted, control over that content is lost, and it may be used in ways that compromise student safety.

2. Upholding the Student Code of Conduct

The Padua College Student Code of Conduct applies not only during school hours and on campus, but also whenever students are representing the College—including when wearing the school uniform. The Code requires students to:

• Behave in ways that uphold the College’s values
• Avoid actions that bring the College into disrepute
• Adhere to the ICT Acceptable Usage Policy
• Be respectful and considerate of others

Creating social media content that is inappropriate, disruptive, or misaligned with the College’s values while in uniform can violate these expectations and lead to disciplinary consequences.

3. Respecting the College’s Trademark and Reputation

The Padua College crest is a registered trademark. It represents our identity, values, and reputation. When students wear the uniform, they are ambassadors of the College. Social media content featuring the crest can influence public perception of our academic standards, culture, and community values.

Inappropriate or unauthorised use of the crest — especially in content that does not reflect the College’s ethos — can damage our reputation. Students must understand that the crest is school property, and misuse of it will be taken seriously.

A Shared Responsibility

We ask all students and families to support this message and help reinforce the importance of responsible online behaviour. Social media can be a powerful tool for connection and creativity, but it must be used with care, especially when representing Padua College.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the College leadership team.

Cultural Immersion

It was an honour to recently accompany the Padua College Cultural Immersion to Central Australia. Over the recent September school holidays, three staff accompanied 21 students to Central Australia on a Cultural Immersion. Needless to say, the experience was amazing, so much so that we are considering running one at the same time next year. Our rough itinerary was as follows:

• Day 1: Arriving Ayers Rock Airport, we were met by our guide and taken to Uluru for afternoon guided base walk (Mala Walk), with a sunset viewing of Uluru from lookout.

• Day 2: Guided walk through Kata Tjuta National Park to explore the Olga Rocks along the Valley of the Winds followed by a visit to the Uluru Cultural centre.

• Day 3: Depart Yulara and drive to Lilla Remote Outstation, Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park. Meet with Lilla’s traditional owners for Luritja welcome ceremony before check in.

• Day 4: Lilla Cultural Activities with traditional owner’s including guided walks through historical sites such as caves, waterholes, cultural activities such boomerangs, sand and dot painting, campfire damper and kangaroo tails, guided hike through Kings Canyon and along the famous Rim Walk hike.

• Day 5: Depart Lilla for Alice Springs Afternoon visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park.

• Day 6: West MacDonnell day trip visiting Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. Visit by Alice Springs Reptile Centre for live hands-on presentation.

• Day 7: Flight home.

We also commissioned ex-Padua Indigenous student Holly Ryan to design the immersion T-shirt, which beautifully encapsulates the hope we hold for cultural understanding and reconciliation at Padua College.

Immersion 2026: An expression of interest will be sent out to 2026 Year 10-12 students to gauge interest from students in this Cultural Immersion experience. We anticipate that this would once again be held in the second week of the September holidays at a cost of approximately $2,800 including flights to Central Australia and food and accommodation.

Please contact me, Vice Principal – Students: Mr Sam Wright, via email swright@padua.vic.edu.au or Defence Force & Indigenous Students Mentor: Ms Jessie Young jeyoung@padua.vic.edu.au if you are interested.

The College Uniform

Earlier in the term we made the shift to summer uniform, and it is therefore an opportune time to remind families and students about the College Uniform Policy.

One way in which we encourage our high expectations at Padua, is in the way we present ourselves to the community through our uniform. The school uniform identifies members of Padua College. It assists in creating an atmosphere of pride, loyalty and equity. All students enter class as equals as far as image and dress are concerned; their individuality comes from their attitude, character, spirit, and involvement.

Common Issues

I draw your attention to the most common issues this year and ask for your support in helping us maintain the high standard we expect as a College community.

• Blazers - Must be worn to and from school through the year – only if it is cold/wet the Padua softshell waterproof jacket is permitted to be worn over the blazer.
• Sport Uniform - Padua College navy blue track pants – no leggings, yoga pants or Lorna Jane trousers, no hooded or long sleeve tops under Sport T-Shirts.
• Hair - Hair is to be clean and tidy and one natural hair colour; Hair need only to be tied back in circumstances/classes as an OHS requirement.
• Facial Hair - All students must be clean shaven.
• Jewellery & Make Up - Two earrings per ear, in the ear lobe (small stud or sleeper). No other jewellery is permitted and clear plastic studs and band aids to cover piercings are not permitted. Excess jewellery will be confiscated. Make up is to be kept to a minimum and must be natural looking. Clear nail polish is permitted.
• School shoes - Black leather lace-up or T-bar school shoes. No soft or suede or boots. Skate shoes or black runners are not permitted.

Uniform Checks

Uniform checks are completed on a regular basis, and we simultaneously recognise and reward those students doing the right thing, whilst reverting to measures to maintain our standard with consequences for those students blatantly disregarding our rules and expectations. Your support in these areas allows for staff to spend time focussing on supporting the students both academically and pastorally.

School TV

Today’s parents face a multitude of modern-day challenges in raising happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, this can often be confusing and overwhelming for parents looking for guidance.

At Padua College we have subscribed to SchoolTV an online resource designed to empower you as parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. Here, you'll find a range of topics each published monthly with comprehensive videos from leading specialists and organisations.

The information can be accessed by visiting the College website:

PADUA COMMUNITY > Padua Parents > SchoolTV or following the below link

Link - School TV https://padua.catholic.schooltv.me/launch

Special Report: Substance Use & Addiction

Substance use and addiction are complex issues that can affect young people in many different ways. While some may experiment out of curiosity or peer influence, others may use substances as a way to manage stress, anxiety or emotional pain. What may begin as occasional use can sometimes become a pattern that impacts mood, motivation and wellbeing. The developing teenage brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, vaping and drugs, making early use more likely to lead to harm.

For many families, understanding substance use means looking beyond the behaviour to what might be driving it. Risk-taking is a normal part of adolescence, but for some young people, it can also be a signal that they are struggling to cope. Substances can offer temporary relief, but they can also mask underlying issues such as loneliness, low self-esteem or poor mental health. When left unrecognised or unsupported, substance use can interfere with school performance, relationships and emotional development, leading to more serious challenges later in life.

This edition of SchoolTV guides families to help young people develop resilience, self-awareness and the skills to make healthy, informed choices that protect their wellbeing into adulthood.

Here is the link to your Edition https://padua.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/substance-use-addiction-au

Student Photo Permissions

At times, photographs or videos of our students will be published in newsletters, on the school intranet or website, or in our social media. Copies of our Standard Collection Notice and Privacy Policy are available on the College website in the Enrolments section of our Policies page. Please note that consent to use these images in this way, if provided at enrolment, may be withdrawn at any time by contacting our marketing team via email: marketing@padua.vic.edu.au .