At Willoughby Girls Highschool, we are passionate about excellence in education and assisting students to fulfil their potential as learners and people. We recognise that learning and wellbeing are linked and many initiatives are implemented to support student's wellbeing.
Wellbeing Days for each Year
Year 12
An intensive wellbeing day for Year 12 students takes place early in Term 1 in preparation for the HSC (Higher School Certificate). The day focusses on school/life balance, life beyond the HSC and developing a growth mindset.
Year 11
Life Ready is a mandatory program designed to help Year 11 students address the issues of health, safety and wellbeing at a time when they face significant changes and challenges in their lives. It aims to build students sense of empowerment and respect for themselves and others.
Year 11 camp complements the Life Ready program. It aims to support senior students as they address changing issues related to identity, independence and their changing responsibilities. Students are involved in initiative games, team building games which require effective communication, and outdoor activities to ensure students leave with greater confidence and optimism for their future endeavours. The program also includes a growth mindset presentation, study skills and relaxation sessions.
Year 10
Brainstorm Productions ‘Wired’ performance: a confronting play that highlights the causes and effects of stress and depression associated with examinations, relationships and everyday life. It focuses on key concepts such as mental health, examination pressure, resilience, concentration, depression and positive relationships.
Year 9
Brainstorm Productions ‘The Hurting Game’ performance: shows students how ongoing negative relationships at school and online can affect their self esteem and their future. The Hurting Game anti-bullying program covers: cyber footprint, harassment, body image, peer pressure, resilience, binge drinking, social websites and positive relationships.
Year 8
Brainstorm Productions ‘Cyberia’ performance: an investigation into the pitfalls of technology including cyber bullying at school, stress, lack of privacy and desensitisation. The Cyberia program covers: social websites, isolation, internet addiction and digital citizenship.
Year 7
Peer support program: Year 7 are involved in the peer support program which is run by Year 10 students. Peer support is a peer led, skills based, experiential learning program which empowers young people to support each other and contribute positively to society. It helps to develop in students the key skills of resilience, assertiveness, decision making, problem solving and leadership.
Brainstorm Productions ‘Verbal Combat’ performance: a unique cyber bullying program delivered by two young actors which focuses on cyber bullying, social media, texting bystanders and exclusion.
Year 7 camp designed to help students with the transition from primary to high school. The camp involves fun and rewarding challenges that activate key learning in communication, decision making, problem solving, resilience, team building and leadership.
Peer support program
The peer support program is based on the principle that at every level and in every age group in society, people absorb information and values from each other. Peer support and positive peer influence are introduced into the school community by training Year 9 students during Term 4 to act as group leaders in Year 10 to incoming Year 7 students.
It gives Year 10 students opportunities for self development and provides Year 7 students with a supportive environment in which to develop their own individuality. The wellbeing head teacher and peer support coordinator are the contacts for this program.
Mentor program
The Raise program is mentor program which is offered to select Years 8 to 9 students. This program involves a one on one weekly meeting with a trained community mentor. It is designed to provide further support to students from another trusted adult.
Merit award scheme
Willoughby Girls High School values learning and encourages each girl to strive to achieve her best. Individual progress and outstanding achievement is recognised and rewarded through the attainment of bronze, silver and gold merit awards:
- level 1 bronze awards are issued by teachers throughout the semester for:
- 'commitment to learning', including completing homework, completing tasks in class, being well prepared and organised, listening attentively and following directions.
- "Demonstrating school values" including kindness, community service within and outside school and so on.
- level 2 silver certificates are awarded after a student has accumulated five or more bronze awards in one semester. Students who achieve four bronze awards in each semester are eligible for a silver award. Silver awards are awarded each half of the year during the silver merit award assembly. The assembly is followed by morning tea for recipients and their guests.
- level 3 gold certificates are awarded at the Presentation Day Ceremony. Students who receive one silver certificate in each semester are eligible for a gold award. These certificates are awarded for outstanding effort in a range of endeavours over the year.