Rebecca Durran
CONNECT Coordinator / Junior Sub School Leader
We are excited to begin the year with Connect running once again as our pastoral care program at NGSC. Connect plays a vital role in supporting student wellbeing by providing dedicated time for students to build relationships, develop resilience and strengthen their social and emotional skills.
With concerning statistics around mental health and wellbeing among children, young people and adults in Australia, The Resilience Project is working to drive meaningful change through a preventative approach that builds a culture of wellbeing in schools. In 2026, we are fortunate to be partnering with The Resilience Project to further strengthen our Connect program. This partnership will allow us to draw on evidence-based principles of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM), alongside emotional literacy, to equip students with lifelong wellbeing habits and empower families to support wellbeing at home.
Our whole-school wellbeing approach includes explicit teaching through an evidence-based curriculum, supported by wellbeing habits that are embedded into daily school routines. This ensures students not only learn about wellbeing, but practise it consistently in meaningful ways.
So far this year, students have been focused on building positive relationships within their Connect classes and being introduced to the GEM principles. These early lessons help establish a strong foundation for learning, connection and personal growth throughout the year.
We know that when schools, families and communities share a common language around mental health and wellbeing, young people are best supported to thrive. Throughout the year, families will receive resources and information to help reinforce wellbeing strategies and resilience-building practices at home.
We look forward to working together to support the wellbeing of all our students through the Connect program in 2026.
