THE DIRECTION of Welllbeing

This year, St Catherine’s School further strengthened its Academic Care Program with the introduction of two new roles overseeing the Middle Years of Senior School, Years 7 to 9, and the Senior Years, from Years 10 to 12.

The intention of these new roles is to increase our dedicated network of wellbeing support, resources, and skills throughout students’ school years.

Ms Freda Armstrong, Director of Middle Years and Mrs Alison Cassidy, Director of Senior Years are now responsible for the overall academic, social, and emotional wellbeing of students in their respective Year levels.

The Directors work with the Heads of Year, Heads of Faculty, classroom teachers, career practitioners, psychologists, and importantly, directly with parents, to ensure their students receive expert personalised support that nurtures and maintains their positive mental health, ensuring they have the best foundation to reach their individual potential.

“The connection between having a positive state of mental health and success in the classroom is undeniable,” shares Director of Middle Years, Ms Freda Armstrong. “Positive mental health means having resilience, knowing how to reframe negative thoughts, having hope, being able to articulate your feelings and knowing when and how to seek support. These are the makings of a young person with a strong sense of self. This is what leads to confidence and a positive sense of wellbeing,” shares Freda.

Freda, along with Alison will lead their dedicated teams of educators and wellbeing experts to equip Senior School students with the social and emotional skills required to thrive during their school years and beyond.

“Providing wellbeing support to teenage girls is essential in today’s society,” explains Mrs Alison Cassidy Director