Every student has a designated teacher who is directly responsible for her wellbeing. Together with other key wellbeing staff, this teacher acts as a focal point across a larger network of support staff for students.
MLC’s wellbeing programs are underpinned by the PROSPER framework. PROSPER (Positivity, Relationships, Outcomes, Strengths, Purpose, Engagement, Resilience) integrates the science of wellbeing and the latest research into positive education with best practice teaching and learning.
Every student is well supported at each stage of her schooling and development, as shown in the diagram below.
(Click on image to view it in a larger format.)
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Junior (Prep - Year 6)
The Junior School Student Health and Wellbeing Curriculum helps students develop personal and interpersonal skills, work collaboratively with others, communicate effectively and make good decisions. There is a strong focus on social justice and thinking beyond one’s self.
Programs include:
- Prep and Year 4 Buddy program to assist with transition and responsibility, respectively
- Mindfulness, meditation and yoga are also integrated into Junior School classrooms, with our teachers supported by external specialists.
- Starting from Year 3, our Outdoor Education program teachers our students resilience, problem solving and independent in a nurturing environment, and prepares them for future Outdoor Education experiences – including continued attendance in secondary school at MLC Banksia and MLC Marshmead
- A fully mentored leadership program in Year 6, allowing students to experience leadership whilst being mentored by a teacher
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Junior Secondary (Years 7 and 8)
With Year 7 being a major intake year for MLC, we see students from over 70 primary schools begin their secondary school journey and work hard to ensure all students have a smooth transition.
In Junior Secondary School, we focus on fostering independence and resilience in our Year 7 and 8 students, as well as a positive classroom culture.
- Year 7s are supported as they enter secondary school for the first time through our transition program. This includes a week at MLC Banksia, one of MLC’s Education Outdoor campuses, near the beginning of the year and in Home Groups, so students get to know their classmates well.
- Big Sister and Outdoor Leader program with Year 11 students, both in Kew and at MLC Banksia.
- The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program forms the foundation of the Year 7 and 8 wellbeing program and also includes Mindfulness and Mental Fitness topics.
- Our new Year 7-8 Learning Centre has been designed with wellbeing at its core. Teachers and coordinators are located amongst the cohort, making them visible and available to students, and the classrooms and open spaces have been specifically designed to meet the pastoral needs of all students.
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Middle (Years 9 and 10)
Year 9 is another major intake year for MLC, which sees many new students join. Middle School is a time where students are more in charge of their learning, increased independence and developing a positive sense of identity.
- Year 9 students experience either a term at MLC Marshmead or Melbourne Term, a truly memorable experience. Students develop a positive sense of self, further develop collaborative skills and build supportive relationships.
- All students participate in Respectful Relationships workshops, which include guest speakers and group activities on personal rights, relationships, gender, help-seeking and conflict
- Future Work Ready – Year 9 students attend Future Work Ready seminars to develop an understanding of the skills needed for future work. In Year 10, following the completion of Morrisby Report students meet with their Careers Advisor to discuss pathways and subject selection and also have the opportunity to participate in our Work Experience program and work with our Careers department on preparations and job involvement
- Year 10 students are also supported through our Transition to Senior School program, which includes VCE and IB sessions, Study Skills and participation in House activities.
Throughout Middle School, students are supported through our Wellbeing Program, focusing on PROSPER and responding to the needs of students as areas of concern emerge (for example, guest speakers on Sleep Nutrition, Mental Health, etc.)
Senior (Years 11 and 12)
The Senior School wellbeing program is based on different themes from the PROSPER framework each term and matches the cycle of the academic year. Term 1 begins with a focus on Engagement and Relationships, Term 2 focuses on Resilience and Strengths, Term 3 is about Positivity and Purpose and Term 4 about Strengths and Purpose. These are tied together across the academic year with discussion and focus on Outcomes.
Wellbeing activities include tutor group meetings, one-on-one coaching conversations between the student and her Tutor, guest speakers at year level assemblies and whole Senior School Assemblies. Students participate in activities aimed at developing skills and knowledge in a range of areas including time management, study skills, mindfulness, safe socialising, harm minimisation and sexual health.
- Senior School’s tutor coaching model means that each student participates in one-on-one coaching conversations with their Tutor. This ensures that students are well known by their Tutor, who focuses on their strengths and monitors their learning, goals and progress. This is in addition to whole Tutor Group sessions.
- One-on-one interviews with our Careers practitioners
- Tertiary workshops with recent alumnae, including our Careers Showcase event
- Mentoring program, where recent Old Collegians are matched up with a student to mentor for the year. Matches are made based on similar subjects or interests.
- A two-part wellbeing program, 'Fit4Twelve' and 'Well4Twelve', held at the end of Year 11 and beginning of Year 12