In an article I read recently it spoke about the relationship between wellbeing and the role it plays in increasing student resilience. I know that resilience is a word that is used often in our society and one that is often misunderstood. In this study the research was focused on their belief that “that the most sustainable approach to enhancing educational engagement is to improve and maintain student resilience”. In looking at how to increase resilience the study found that the most important factor was “connection”.

To those of us who work in schools this is not new – we know that the girls find being around each other to be the best motivator. So as they return to the College after this period of remote learning we will see these connections begin again – whilst there may not be the hugs of the past, the smiles and chatter around the place will certainly bring the College back to a place of welcome.

In the same article it spoke about the important role of parents and how a child’s success depends in many important ways on parents'/carers' knowledge, attitudes and practices. The role parents/carers play in the resilience of young people has been proven over time.

So as we work together to support the girls over this transition period, we need to acknowledge that there will be bumps in the road but that if we continue to foster positive experiences for the girls and focus on the value of belonging, we can ensure that the girls have a positive experience in College where they feel “Connected, Protected and Respected”.

Karen Wright - Assistant Principal Students