Student Wellbeing (V2)

MLC has long been recognised for its high quality wellbeing programs, providing students with the best possible support as they learn and grow.

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.

The College utilises a framework called PROSPER in which to deliver our wellbeing programs. 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.

Wellbeing at MLC consists of many layers, as shown in the diagram below, depending on the stage of schooling to ensure every student is well supported across all facets of their education.

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.

Programs include:

• Bounce Back!, a classroom social and emotional learning skills program
• 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 specially trained

Junior Secondary (Years 7 and 8)

In Junior Seconday School, MLC focuses on fostering independence and resilience in 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 program with Year 11 students, both in Kew and at MLC Banksia.
• Mindfulness programs

Middle (Years 9 and 10)
Apart from Year 7, 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.
• Respectful Relationships workshops, which include guest speakers and group activities on personal rights, relationships, gender, help-seeking and conflict
• Development of study skills
• Year 10 students 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…

Senior (Years 11 and 12)

Positive choices, personal organisation, personal health and personal safety are key themes in the Senior School wellbeing program.

• 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 has a one-on-one coaching conversation with their home group tutor each term. This ensures that students are well known by their tutors and have ongoing monitoring of their learning, goals and finding out their strengths. This is on top of regular tutor group sessions.
• One-on-one interviews with our Career 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.
• All Year 12 students take part in a two-part wellbeing program, Fit4Twelve@mlc (held at the end of Year 11), focused on developing healthy habits, and Well4twelve@mlc, which aims to provide experiential learning that will assist students in developing tools that they can use in Year 12 and beyond: resilience, coping, making good choices, having fun and trying new things.