Student Life
-- Supporting Students & Families --
Maintaining Balance
Resources for Wellbeing
Wellbeing is at the very heart of what we do. We know that regardless of where and how learning takes place we need to deliver quality and value to a high level.
We believe our students, whether online or on campus, whether in term or out of term, whether indeed at Scotch or heading into university and adulthood, need to be Scotch FIT: academically FIT, physically FIT, psychologically FIT, socially FIT.
An exceptional educational experience informed by the core goals of Scotch FIT creates belonging, celebrates identity and provides purpose to our students and our staff.
Handy Quick Links
Timetable & Routine Templates:
- Torrens Park Campus
- Mitcham Campus: Rec – Year-2 | Year 3 – 4 | Year 5 – 6
More Links:
On This Page
The Scotch FIT and getting involved in Student Life.
Scotch: ConnectED family resources with helpful tips and resources.
Scotch FIT
The wellbeing equation at Scotch is characterised by maintaining a balance between the resources we possess and the challenges we face. The Scotch Fit framework reminds us that wellbeing is a multi-faceted construct. As we prepare for wellbeing, activities we will undertake include a combination of psychological, physical, social and academic actions.
Physically FIT
Benefits of physical activity include the boosting of mood, raising of energy levels and stress management.
- Join morning activity sessions (8:15 – 8:30am)
- Continue your regular Co-Curricular sporting program
- Embrace the Physical Education Program
- Try Yoga, Pilates, Barre
- Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet
- Maintain a regular sleeping pattern
- Get a daily dose of sunshine
- Learn a new skill
Academically FIT
Make the most of online learning through routine and preparation.
- Establish a morning routine
- Follow the modified College lesson timetable
- Create a consistent learning space that is quiet and comfortable
- Avoid distractions when learning
- Find times to get away from screens
- Stay in touch with your Mentor and House teachers and cohort
Socially FIT
Stay connected.
- Ensure face to face contact with members of the household
- Check in on others through texts, phone calls or chats
- Be kind to yourself and others
- Practice active listening
- Partake in shared activities, even online
- Help others be more realistic, balanced and helpful in their thinking
Psychologically FIT
Prepare for positive mental health.
- Adopt a mindset of ‘this too, shall pass’ regarding a temporary situation
- Monitor your thinking for negativity
- Communicate honestly and openly
- Minimise unnecessary screen time
- Have the courage to have a go at new activities
- Remind yourself of what you are good at – do more of this!
- Use mindfulness to slow down, recognise and regulate your thoughts
- Remind yourself of the people, places, things you are grateful for
Getting Involved
House & Mentor
The House structure is a key component for you. Heads of House provide experiences and activities that keep us connected and engaged.
The promotion of life’s medicines, community building activities, daily questions and challenges are all planned for this time.
Student Action Teams
The Student Action Team Leaders will be in touch with you to hear your thoughts for activities and other opportunites.
They’ll also use this time to promote a range of positive mental health initiatives, including 21 day challenges, gratitude and kindness initiatives and mindfulness activities.
Morning Activities
We have a database of student led initiatives to get individuals or the whole family up and moving. Activities range from Yoga, to mindful activities and practices. Go to this link to follow the College’s Wellbeing Stream channel and explore what you might do to stay active, balanced and connected to the Scotch Community.
Service Learning
A number of Service Learning opportunities for students will continue to be available – see the graphics below for more details!
How You’re Supported
Student Services and Reporting
Through our House and Mentor program, we will continue to create a sense of belonging and connection through a series of targeted activities.
Social Isolation is of particular concern.
Each Campus will implement a series of strategies to help students and families remain connected and supported through this crisis.
The following link has helpful strategies and advice to address the negative aspects of reduced social supports: Social Distancing and Mental Health.
College Psychologists
Our two full time College Psychologists continue to be available to provide support for students.
In order for our psychologists to work online with students in a safe and effective manner a number of adjustments have been made to their operations. These changes are consistent with the Australian Psychological Society’s guidelines for working remotely and with young people.
Further information about our online counselling services can be accessed through the ConnectEd website and below.
External Support Options
Healthy Minds has produced a self-assessment tool that can be used by the whole family, based on Adelaide Psychologist Dr Tom Nehmy’s research into Wellbeing. The 6 pillars from Dr Nehmy’s Wellbeing Wheel provide definition and reflection on how individuals of all ages might assess and prepare for wellbeing.
It is a useful task to undertake as a family check-in – giving a broader framework to answer the question “How are you going?”: Healthy Minds Self-Assessment Check in.
There are also a range of youth-focused mental health services, sites and resources available such as Headspace, eHeadspace, Kids Helpline and Lifeline.
ConnectED for Families
Some Helpful Tips & Resources for Learning At Home.
Family Agreement
We have developed a downloadable and editable ‘Family Agreement’ to assist in the establishment of expectations and daily routines. This is editable and adaptable to your specific needs: Family Agreement Template.
We encourage families to complete this document together, hold the necessary discussions and then agree to follow the plans made. The clarity gained creates commitment, though also avoids some potential points of conflict.
A handy Family Media Use Agreement document is available that you can use at home: Family Media Use Agreement.
The Head to Health website provides a range of helpful resources specifically curated for parents in response to COVID-19.
Technology Expectations
In addition to the family contract, it will be a good idea to revisit technology rules and expectations within the household. The eSafety Commissioner’s office has a page below dedicated to how parents can discuss technology use in the household:
- Online safety kit for parents and carers
- Online safety booklet for parents and carers
- Advice for school leaders keeping schools and learning safe online
A handy poster has been created for families of Year 5 & 6 students focussing on the responsible use of technology: Responsible Use of Technology Poster
School TV
Scotch are pleased to partner with School TV to assist parents with the challneges of what it takes to raise happy, well and resilient young people. Whilst there is a great deal of information available, thi helpful resource covers the relevant topics, featuring industry experts such as Dr Michael Carr Gregg.
Daily Structure
There is great strength in maintaining a daily routine. This includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, eating at regular mealtimes, following a schedule of classes, having structured downtime and staying connected to daily events such as the Co-Curricular program. To assist students in structuring their weekdays, a daily structure template is included below.
Here are some editable timetable and routine templates that can be downloaded and customised for your family: Torrens Park Campus | Mitcham Campus: Rec – Year 2 | Year 3 – 4 | Year 5 – 6, permitting students and families to discuss and plan their morning and evening routines. Ideally, this works in conjunction with the family agreement document.