It was a fantastic night at our Parent Information and PFA Social Evening on Tuesday.  

It was great to catch up with parents to share stories of our summer break and discuss the highlights of their daughter’s first few weeks back at School. 

During the evening I discussed our Student Wellbeing Program in Barbreck, with a particular focus on The Resilience Project. Mindful of the importance of the girls’ health and wellbeing, after the disruption of COVID, The Resilience Project was introduced in both the Junior and Senior Schools of St Catherine’s in 2022. The focus of The Resilience Project in Barbreck is to build positive mental health and assist our girls in becoming happier and more resilient.

Throughout 2023, The Resilience Project will continue to support the wellbeing of our students and our wider School community. Two of our School Values – Gratitude and Empathy, are cornerstones of The Resilience Project, and we are excited to further highlight and embed these Values into our everyday lives.  

The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience. 

Our Partnership Program consists of online presentations and weekly lessons for students, professional development for staff, and a Parent & Carer Hub, which includes digital presentations for Barbreck families to access. 

For those of you that are new to The Resilience Project please explore the Parent Hub and familiarise yourself with GEM: Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness. GEM is a key feature of The Resilience Project and supports our children in learning and developing these important life skills. 

I highly recommend viewing the first presentation in the Parent Hub series linked here. Parents can hear from Mr Hugh van Cuylenburg founder of The Resilience Project. In this presentation, Hugh shares a personal experience about his sister’s battles with mental illness. Please note this presentation contains a story about eating disorders that may be triggering. Please consider this before watching. For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.  

I look forward to sharing wellbeing information and updates over the coming weeks and throughout the year. 

Barbreck Upcoming Events

PFA Twilight Teddy Bear Picnic – ELC & Barbreck  

Date: Thursday 2 March 

Venue: Village Green, Barbreck Junior School 

Time: 4.30pm till 7.00pm 

Girls from Prep to Year 4 can dress up their teddy bears, while our girls in Years 5 and 6 showcase their graphic and photographic design skills as part of the afternoon’s activities. Please find a schedule of proceedings below.

5.00pm – Teddy Bear Parade ELC to Year 4 (siblings welcome) 

6.00pm – Teddy Bear Photo Competition Years 5 and 6 

The PFA will run a BBQ with soft drinks also available. Our ever-popular ice cream stall, proudly sponsored by LICKt Ashburton (Ktenavos Family), will also be onsite.  

Please feel free to pack a picnic and bring your own food and drink (plastic wear only). Also, remember your picnic blanket and folding chairs.  

House Cross Country Carnival – Years 3 to 6

The Junior School House Cross Country is happening in a fortnight.  

Date: Wednesday 8 March 

Venue: Kooyong Park 

Time: 10.00am to 11.00am  

House Cross Country is a fantastic opportunity for students to have a run, compete, display their determination, and cheer on their fellow House members. Parents are welcome to attend. We would love to see as many as possible to support the girls. 

Please note that Miss Cody has provided a detailed explanation of the event for parents and carers via the mystcatherines parent portal. 

I look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming events. 

Have a great weekend!