Wellbeing encompasses a student’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. A sense of wellbeing is essential to a student’s learning and development and critical to academic success.

There is a strong link between student learning and wellbeing and the College aims to authentically integrate wellbeing and each student’s academic program. We strive for a school-wide approach to each student’s education where value is placed upon the growth and development of the spiritual, emotional, social, physical, and academic domains. Experiencing positive relationships, gaining autonomy, and creating a sense of purpose are all important components of wellbeing.

At Mercedes College, we strive to instil in students a sense of self-belief in times of success and, more importantly, in times of failure. Mercedes students are encouraged to embrace a journey of growth in all aspects of their development.

The Student Wellbeing Program aims to encourage:

  • care and concern for the wellbeing of others: their rights, belongings, feelings, and opinions
  • personal responsibility and self-discipline for learning and conduct
  • an inclusive environment that demonstrates respect for diversity and richness of backgrounds, cultures, and abilities
  • a willingness to contribute positively to the College community and beyond through actively contributing to service that is guided by our Mercy values
  • increasing independence as the students move through the Secondary School

The wellbeing program for each year group is specifically designed to meet the needs of students within that cohort. All programs are evidence-based, and research informed. Programs are revised at the end of each year to address the changing needs of students.

Mercedes College Pastoral Wellbeing Program outline:

The focus in the Year 7 program is the transition to life in the Secondary School setting. Through a program called ‘Transition Week’, students enjoy workshops and information sessions on areas such as time management, organisation, communication, and use of technology. Transition Week is culminated by a team-building overnight camp to further develop independence, inclusiveness, and care for others.

Peer support program – Select Year 10 students link with Year 7 students to provide an opportunity for young people to participate in their school community and build strong relationships with each other. The Year 10 students learn important communication, problem-solving and leadership skills as they get to know the Year 7 students. In turn, the younger students enjoy the support of a trusted older role model as they make the transition to Secondary School.

The Heroic Habits program focusses on living out the 18 habits that will make life both responsible and rewarding. The development will not only help the individual but also those around them.

The girls will engage in conversations, activities and a series of journal reflections. This program is also focussed on service for others, performing actions for no expected reward or external gain, compassion and care for others, creating positive thinking and resilience. Many experts believe that it is possible for people to learn to be heroes by developing these 18 Heroic Habits.

The Rite Journey program is developed to provide conversation for girls to experience a memorable Rite of Passage to help them in their transition from childhood to adulthood. They are provided with an opportunity for growth that comes from risk and challenge, taking students away from their screens and building strong and rich connections with their parents, facilitators, teachers, peers and mentors.

The girls engage in reflection and discussion helping them develop strategies for the life changing journey ahead of them, by exploring and discovering consciousness, connection, communication and celebration. We end the year with a two-night camp full of personal and team challenges, including a 12-hour silent self-reflection opportunity. Mercedes College is proud that we are the only all-girls College to offer this program in WA.

The Influence Program is focussed on developing students to be able to positively influence the character, development or behaviour of others. It is designed to encourage students to step-up as they make the shift from childhood into adulthood. The focus is on leadership, contributing, being of service and making a difference. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about themselves, explore leadership and refine their skills in this area. Influence is divided into four main themes: Leader of Self, Leader in School, Leader in Community and Leader in World.

Our senior program is designed to nurture, guide and motivate students to make the most of their final years at the College. There is an emphasis to strive for personal academic success in both the ATAR, Connect and VET pathways.  The awareness of developing a healthy balance between study, co-curricular commitments, family and friends is also promoted.

The pastoral program centres on the role of leadership, service and in becoming responsible young adults. Mercedes students are prepared for life after school, where each individual leaves school with the best possible opportunity to pursue their future interests, make good choices and contribute to the world around them.