MITCHELL YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM
written by Year 12 Student, Abby C
The Mitchell Youth Leadership Forum was a threeday event that brought together Year 11 students from different schools to develop courage, integrity, and leadership through service. Each day focused on these values with inspiring talks from guest speakers such as Lucinda Harvey, Sally Hurst, Chris Lee, Matt Kershaw, and Rob Kennaugh. We participated in goal-focused activities, group challenges, and community service visits where we connected with the elderly and people with disabilities through music, games, and conversation.
These experiences encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones, build confidence, and reflect on the positive impact we can have as leaders The forum also gave us the chance to meet like-minded students, share ideas, and form lasting friendships. Inspired by the strong sense of teamwork and community, we created an initiative called “Uplift Groups” to strengthen connection and belonging within our school’s house system The camp reminded us that leadership is not about power but about service, courage, and integrity. Overall, it was an inspiring and unforgettable experience that motivated us to lead with purpose and authenticity
In this issue:
Wellbeing dogs in schools have been found to improve outcomes in learning, behaviour and student wellbeing. In 2020, Santa Sophia Catholic College acquired a groodle puppy who trained to be our College Wellbeing dog, and following input from our community, the puppy was named Arlo. He has been a very successful addition to our school community and a much loved and integral part of Santa Sophia for the last 5 years.
Continuing with the success of this wellbeing dog program, we are pleased to name Arlo's successor - "Carlo the Cutie"! Carlo is a Wire Fox Terrier and will be the new Wellbeing Puppy at Santa Sophia Catholic College. Carlo’s presence will support the wellbeing of our students by providing comfort, calm, connection and a sense of belonging. At Santa Sophia, we are committed to nurturing the whole child – socially, emotionally, spiritually and academically. Carlo is named after Saint Carlo Acutis, a young saint who used his gifts to bring people closer to God through joy, kindness and service. In the same way, our Carlo will be a gentle daily reminder of those values – inspiring students to show compassion, curiosity and faith in action.
Carlo will begin with short, calm visits in Term 1, 2026, as part of a staged and closely supervised introduction, with his time at school gradually increasing as he shows readiness and confidence. Carlo’s primary handler at school will be Mrs Leanne Duval, our Teacher Librarian She will guide his interactions with students and support his wellbeing and training at school. Carlo will live with the Duval family, ensuring he receives consistent care, training and socialisation outside of school hours
Carlo, named after Saint Carlo Acutis. a Wire Fox Terrier
Carlo’s mum, ‘Queenie’.
Carlo’s dad.
OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS:
JOIN THE NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC CYCLING ASSOCIATION (NICA)
Students in Years 6–12 are invited to get involved with NICA, the world’s largest youth mountain biking organisation. NICA promotes confidence, community and character through fun, inclusive, team-based riding programs for all skill levels
Parents and teachers are also encouraged to learn more by attending one of NICA’s upcoming Coach Summits simply choose the location closest to our school.
A great opportunity for students to stay active, build skills and join a supportive cycling community
Video explaining what NICA is all about NICA ImpactReinventing Youth Sport ��
& PROCEDURES
Student Spotlight
Closing Message
Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back when things don’t go as planned. It’s not about avoiding challenges, but learning how to manage them - a vital skill that supports children’s wellbeing and success through school and beyond.
HELPING YOUR CHILD BUILD RESILIENCE
Parents and carers play a powerful role in nurturing resilience at home. Here are some practical ways to help build it:
Encourage problem-solving: Give your child the chance to think through challenges and come up with their own ideas before stepping in
Model calm and optimism: Children learn from watching how adults handle stress. Staying calm and positive helps them see that problems can be worked through.
Praise effort and perseverance: Focus on what your child is trying, not just the end result. This builds confidence and a growth mindset
Maintain strong connections: Knowing they are loved and supported gives your child a secure base from which to face difficulties.
Keep routines steady: Predictable routines help children feel safe, especially during times of change.
Teach emotional awareness: Help children name and talk about their feelings. When they can understand their emotions, they can manage them more effectively
Resilience grows over time through everyday experiences, encouragement, and connection By helping children view setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, we equip them with the confidence and coping skills to thrive in life.
Santa Sophia Catholic College is seeking interested parents within our community to share their industry experience, knowledge and skills with our students. Sign up here.