Student Wellbeing I’m sometimes asked the question: “Is it hard to get boys to come to counselling?” My answer is always the same — “no, but it’s hard to fit all the boys who want to come to counselling into the available spaces”. It is indeed a good sign that boys (and their teachers and parents) can read the signs that help is needed and that they avail of this help. In terms of numbers, this year I’ve had ongoing contact with 103 individual students and with 15 students as members of three separate therapeutic groups (mostly from Tiverton Campus), and Mr Paul Marshall tells a similar story at Kinnoull. The more common issues boys have brought to counselling this year have included: • Mourning the death of loved ones • The ongoing and severe illness of family members • Chronic anxiety • Sadness, depression and suicidal ideation • Legal issues • Family dysfunction • Anger • Social awkwardness • School attitude and performance There has been some significant learning that has taken place in both counselling offices this year! Counselling is invariably difficult, as it draws people to make contact with aspects of living that are most painful or explosive, or disconcerting or shameful. But the good that most certainly comes from such contact far surpasses any initial difficulty. As I write, my mind floods with the many boys who have made
strong and positive impact on their young lives this year, and congratulations to them. The Student Wellbeing Team The team (comprising three primary boys, two year sevens, three year 8s and three year 9s) has moved its wellbeing message online this year. It has offered via the Moodle program assistance to its peers in areas such as: • Illness and courage • Anxiety • Bereavement • Drugs • Sadness and depression • Positive attitude • Social irresponsibility: graffiti, planking • Suicide • Pressure • Selfishness • IT addiction • Anger, fighting and verbal abuse • Consumerism and happiness • Friendship • The inherent dangers in Facebook and other social networking sites I commend members of the team for their thoughtfulness and their dedication in promoting the message of wellbeing to their peers. Parent Education Evenings Three evenings: (one for parents new to DLS, one on the topic of “Resilience” and one of the topic of “What I Have Learned This Year”) were provided. I thank the many parents who have 12
attended the evenings and set time aside in a busy schedule to better understand issues relating to their sons. As I always ensure that I have at least one student co-presenter at all evenings. I wish to thank the seven boys who have been part of the program this year. Their time, willingness and honesty have been appreciated by many (as phone conversations and emails indicate). Well done boys! Mr Paul Marshall After 20 years of service to the community of DLS, Mr Marshall is retiring. I’ve asked Paul to reflect on his years here in the piece that follows. I have been privileged to have worked with Paul — he is one of life’s true gentle-men. He enjoys a laugh, and has a grounded and deep understanding of the human condition. I wish him and his wife Monica the very best for the future. Mr Pascal Rohan Director of Student Wellbeing
Back Row: Oliver Edmonds, Christian Di Donato, Sam De Stefanis, Oliver Lindsay, Tom Martin Front: Christian Grant, Liam O’Callaghan, Remy Cadman, Daniel Rodriguez, Liam Bisognin, Mr Pascal Rohan
