Wellbeing
Focus on Wellbeing
Students spend nearly half of their waking lives in school. Research indicates that wellbeing challenges often emerge during adolescence, typically around the age of 14 (National Mental Health Commission). Choosing the right school for your child is instrumental in mitigating these challenges and minimising their long-term impact.
Our mission at Greenacre Christian College is to cultivate a Christ-centred community where students are nurtured and supported. We embrace a proactive approach to student wellbeing, implementing preventative measures that safeguard their development and equip them for a bright and purposeful future.
Studies suggest that media, peers, and education are the primary social influences shaping a young person’s growth. At GCC, we take an intentional approach to digital literacy, guiding our students to navigate the online world with wisdom and discernment, while also empowering parents with the tools to support their children effectively. A deep sense of community is a powerful protective factor for mental health and wellbeing. As such, we are committed to fostering strong and enduring connections between parents, staff, students, and the broader community. The pursuit of student wellbeing is a noble endeavour—one that is not only valuable in itself but also deeply aligned with our faith, as we believe that each student is uniquely loved by God. Furthermore, research (Abbott-Chapman, Martin, Ollington, Venn, Dwyer, & Gall, 2014; Dunleavy & Milton, 2009; Hattie, 2009) strongly affirms the intrinsic link between student wellbeing and academic success. It is for this reason, it is important to know who your child is walking with when they are not walking with you.
A growing body of evidence underscores the profound connection between a student’s sense of belonging and their academic achievement. A strong, supportive community not only safeguards mental health but also fosters long-term success (Gopalan & Brady, 2019). At GCC, we are steadfast in our commitment to creating an environment where every student is seen, heard, and valued. We actively encourage a culture of unity, bringing together parents, staff, and students as one body.
One of the recent initiatives of our wellbeing framework is PeaceWise, a whole-school, Biblical approach to fostering a culture of peace and reconciliation. All staff at GCC undergo PeaceWise training, and its principles are embedded into daily school life through the guidance of our grade teachers and college chaplain. By embracing this program, students learn that while conflict is an inevitable part of life, they are called to emulate Christ—choosing peace, understanding, and reconciliation in their relationships.
Please refer below for an overview of our wellbeing structure.
Blessings,
Ms Nina Rihani | Head of Wellbeing
