Rebecca Durran
CONNECT Coordinator / Junior Sub School Leader
CONNECT classes have had a strong and purposeful start to the year, with students focusing on goal setting, resilience and team building. These sessions are designed to strengthen relationships, build self-awareness and develop the personal and social capabilities that underpin success both in and beyond the classroom.
Progress Reports – Reflection and Goal Setting
Following our first cycle of progress reports for the year, students have been actively reflecting on their learning behaviours and academic progress. Through guided discussions and structured reflection activities, students have identified strengths, areas for improvement and clear goals for the term ahead.
This process supports students to take ownership of their learning, understand the link between effort and achievement, and develop practical strategies to improve organisation, engagement and resilience. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and support students in working towards the goals they have set.
Discovering the Resilience Project – GMBHA Stadium Excursion
We are excited to announce an upcoming CONNECT excursion to GMBHA Stadium as part of the Discovering The Resilience Project experience. Students will participate in a high-energy, in-person presentation by Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project. Martin is known for his engaging storytelling style and use of humour to connect with young people.
During the presentation, students will explore simple and practical strategies to improve wellbeing, strengthen resilience and support positive mental health. This event aligns with our whole-school approach to wellbeing and builds on the work already happening within CONNECT.
Families are reminded that consent must be provided via Compass for students to attend this event by 1st April, there is no cost involved.
The Resilience Project – GEM Framework
Our CONNECT program continues to embed the core pillars of The Resilience Project through the GEMEL framework:
To support these conversations at home, we encourage families to ask the following “around the table” questions this week:
- What are three things you are grateful for today?
- What is one moment today that made you feel proud?
- Did you experience an uncomfortable emotion today? What did it feel like?
These simple conversations help build emotional awareness, perspective and connection.
International Women’s Day
This week, our college proudly recognised International Women’s Day. Students engaged in discussions that celebrated the achievements of women and reflected on the importance of respect, equity and inclusion within our school and broader community. It was a valuable opportunity to reinforce the themes of respectful relationships and shared responsibility that underpin our CONNECT program, all whilst having a lens of empathy in these discussions.
We look forward to another term of growth, reflection and connection as we continue strengthening student wellbeing across North Geelong Secondary College.
