College News

Friendology 101

On Tuesday 7 February, a Language of Friendship workshop was held for Junior School families. The event introduced parents to the URSTRONG Friendology 101 program, which is taught in all classes from Reception to Year 6. The skills-based socialemotional development program empowers children with skills, language, and self-confidence to be better friends and develop healthier relationships.

Presenter Tyson Greenwood, Director of URSTRONG Friendology 101, explained the key language used in the program. Parents learnt how replacing the word ‘bullying’ with ‘mean-onpurpose behaviour’ and identifying the difference between ‘mean-onpurpose behaviour’ and smaller-scale ‘friendship fires’ helped children to better understand the situation they were dealing with and respond with more appropriate actions. Tyson also demonstrated how parents can be a ‘coach’ in supporting their child when they are faced with friendship issues.

Join the URSTRONG program for free at urstrong.com/parents/

IEY Playgroup

On Monday 6 February, Ignatius Early Years opened its doors to two year olds for the very first session of play group. During the weekly 90-minute sessions, children are accompanied by their parents as they play, explore, and familiarise themselves with the IEY environment, staff, and other children. The toddlers also engage in group activities while getting to know educational leader Karen Winderlich and Head of Ignatius Early Years, Rosemary Allen. As well as serve as an enjoyable parent-child bonding opportunity, play group will provide a wonderful transition for these children as they approach entry into the IEY program for three year olds.

Fundraising for Syria

As part of the season of Lent, students across the College raised money in support of Jesuit Mission Australia’s Syria Earthquake Response Appeal. In response to the rising death toll and devastation left from two catastrophic earthquakes that hit Syria and Turkey on 6 February, Jesuit Mission Australia launched the appeal, which is providing emergency support to people living in Aleppo, Syria. This city was one of the worst affected, with many residents having lost homes and their loved ones.

On Tuesday 21 February (Shrove Tuesday), Faith and Service, along with Year 12 captains and leaders, organised the sale of pancakes at recess time. On the following Tuesday, the Junior School community held a second-hand book sale before school and during recess and lunchtime. Students were invited to make a gold coin donation in return for a pre-loved book. An impressive $400 was raised from the book sale initiative.

The Syria Earthquake Response Appeal has been made possible thanks to a partnership between Jesuit Mission Australia, Xavier Network, and Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Syria. Initiatives like these remind our students that as Australians, many of us are privileged in many ways, and that with privilege comes responsibility. We sometimes feel we can do little in circumstances of crisis or injustice, especially when they occur far away. Our links to ministries such as Jesuit Mission, which works on the ground with those most in need, allow our students to have real impact in creating positive change and making a difference in the world.