NewsBites - Term 1, Week 2, 2025

Building Resilience: A Strong Start for Our Newest Students

This week, we had the joy of welcoming our new Year 7 students as they began their journey into secondary school. It has been wonderful to see them settle into College life, forming friendships and embracing new opportunities. To help them build independence and connection, our Year 7s have embarked on their camp experience—a key milestone that fosters teamwork, resilience, and personal growth.

At the same time, we are thrilled to announce the implementation of The Resilience Project in our Foundation Phase this year, marking an exciting step forward in supporting our students’ social and emotional wellbeing. This evidence-based program is designed to equip young learners with the tools they need to develop gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness—key pillars of emotional resilience that will serve them throughout their lives.

At Faith, we recognise that a strong foundation in wellbeing is just as important as academic success. In an ever-changing world, children need the skills to navigate challenges, build positive relationships, and develop a mindset that fosters growth and perseverance. The Resilience Project aligns perfectly with our College’s commitment to holistic education, ensuring our students thrive not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well.

Through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and real-world applications, students will explore concepts of gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness in a way that is both meaningful and age-appropriate. This approach not only enhances emotional literacy but also strengthens students' ability to regulate their emotions, build confidence, and approach challenges with a positive outlook.

One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is the opportunity to bring these concepts into the home. The Resilience Project encourages family involvement, providing simple, practical strategies that parents can use to reinforce these values in everyday life. By working together as a community—students, teachers, and families—we can create a culture of resilience that extends far beyond the classroom.

As we begin our journey with The Resilience Project, we look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on our youngest learners. We are confident that by embedding these principles early, we are helping to shape students who are not only academically capable but also emotionally strong, compassionate, and equipped to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.

Reid Dobson
Acting Deputy Principal

Applications close on Friday 7 March and testing will be conducted on Wednesday 26 March.

Bianca Coleborn
Director of Marketing

Safer Internet Day

Tuesday 11 February is Safer Internet Day. We encourage meaningful conversations and activities that encourage safer, more positive online interactions – not just on the day, but throughout the year.

More information can be found by visiting the eSafety website.

Falling in Love with Foundation 

This past fortnight, we have welcomed many new families to our College community. In a commitment to ensuring that our students love school, Foundation 7 has spent two weeks getting to know the cohort and being welcomed into various learning spaces, their House communities, and of course, the wider College at our Opening Service. 

The transition into high school is one of the most significant steps in a student’s education, and at Faith, we take great care to ensure that our Year 7s begin their journey feeling supported, engaged, and excited about what lies ahead. The first two weeks, aptly named Falling in Love with Faith, have been packed with opportunities for connection, exploration, and growth. 

From the very first day, our new Foundation 7 students have been guided through the practical aspects of high school life—navigating new spaces, setting up lockers, learning emergency procedures, and settling into daily routines. Beyond these logistical essentials, however, the heart of our transition program is about creating a sense of belonging. 

Throughout the fortnight, students have participated in community-building activities, met key staff members, and been introduced to some of their subjects in a way that fosters curiosity and confidence. House groups have provided an additional layer of support, ensuring that every student has a network of peers and College staff to guide them through these early days. 

A highlight of the transition has undoubtedly been our Foundation 7 camp. This three-day adventure allowed students to step outside their comfort zones, build friendships, and develop resilience through team challenges and outdoor activities. Whether it was conquering the flying fox, collaborating on problem-solving tasks, or simply sharing a laugh over dinner, camp created memories that will shape the year ahead. 

As we now move into the academic term, we celebrate the successes of these first two weeks. The Foundation 7 students have embraced high school life with enthusiasm, and we commend them for their courage and adaptability.  

Lisbeth Goldston & Kate Manthey
Head of Learning & Head of Wellbeing (7)

Graduate Phase Kicks Off with Community, Connection, and Tradition

The Graduate Phase has started with a fantastic sense of collaboration, leadership, and connection as students and families embrace the opportunities ahead.

We extend a warm welcome to our Year 11 students, who officially transitioned into the Graduate Phase at the end of Term 4 following the Transition to Graduate Phase Leadership and Connection Camp. Their enthusiasm has already been evident, particularly in their first Senior Jersey and Polo Shirt Committee meeting, marking the beginning of their leadership journey. This is an exciting reminder that their time to shape their senior years is just around the corner!

Another highlight was our Parent Community Event and Information Night, where we connected with both ongoing Graduate Phase families and those new to this stage. The evening began with a relaxed BBQ, providing a great opportunity for conversation and community building, before moving into the information session. During the session, parents and carers reflected on their favourite school memories, while our Graduate Phase students shared their hopes for what they will have achieved by graduation—a powerful moment of reflection and goal setting.

The session also covered important information to support students and families as they navigate the Graduate Phase. These details are outlined in the Graduate Phase Handbook, titled Cleared for Take-off: Your Guide to the Graduate Phase, which will be provided to families as a live online document. This essential resource includes:
✅Links to QCAA resources and forms
✅Step-by-step instructions for key processes
✅Guidance on accessing support structures

Meanwhile, our Year 12 Legacy Committee has already begun planning their first major fundraising initiative—the traditional Valentine’s Day Community Event and Stall. This much-loved tradition allows students to purchase treats and gifts for friends, as well as Valentine’s Serenades, which can be purchased via the emailed link. The committee is also preparing for their next fundraising event—the Easter Raffle, ensuring their legacy extends beyond their own cohort.

Of course, no start to the year would be complete without our Swimming Carnival, a particularly meaningful event for our Year 12s as they celebrated their final carnival. The traditional Year 12 group photo and all-in jump were moments of pure joy and camaraderie, capturing the spirit of their final year.

With a strong sense of community, leadership, and tradition, 2025 is shaping up to be a year to remember. Let’s continue to awaken potential and empower one another for purposeful lives.

Andrea Blakely and Emma Saal
Heads of Wellbeing - Graduate Phase