Wellbeing

PRIDE Program

The PRIDE program establishes an educational foundation for students, which is to understand and practise the values of participation, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence. Macarthur Girls High School believes that modelling and instilling these values in everyday school life is central to forming each student’s sense of self-efficacy, character and self-mastery. Our PRIDE program develops the whole person, enabling students to take charge of their own learning and to make responsible choices. The program is designed to inform and motivate. All students participate in PRIDE activities appropriate to the student’s cognitive, social, physical and emotional development. These activities are aligned with the NSW Department Education’s Wellbeing Framework for Schools with an emphasis on students connecting, succeeding and thriving in school and life. Each student will receive feedback from their PRIDE teacher about the growth and development in these targeted areas through semesterised reporting.

School Merit system

A significant component of positive relationships is affirmation. The merit system at Macarthur Girls High School is a process that allows individuals to be affirmed publicly for their character, behaviour and achievements. Merit Awards are given by teachers across all Key Learning Areas. Students are recognised and rewarded for achievement and involvement in our school across a range of curricular and extra-curricular activities. Family and community members join us to celebrate student achievements at our formal Recognition Assemblies, held each term.

Peer Support

The Peer Support Program is a school-based initiative that fosters positive relationships among students by pairing older students with younger peers. Through structured activities and regular meetings, the program aims to build leadership skills in senior students while providing guidance, friendship, and support to younger students. It promotes a sense of belonging, improves social skills, and helps create a supportive and inclusive school community.

Rock and Water Program

The Rock and Water program is a psycho-physical and social skills program that teaches self-awareness, self-confidence, and social responsibility through a combination of physical exercises and social-emotional learning. It uses exercises like martial arts-based drills and role-playing to help young people develop skills to manage emotions, build resilience, handle conflict, and improve communication.

Targeted social and wellbeing programs are offered to small groups of identified students. These bespoke programs, often delivered by Ms Murphy, our Student Support Officer are designed to improve self awareness and self confidence, social skills and conflict and stress management.

These programs include:

• Social Butterflies - designed to develop self confidence in  students when establishing and maintaining social connections with peers.
• R.A.G.E - designed to help young people renavigate anger and guilty emotions
• Fit for Change and Fit for Life, delivered by local Police Youth Engagement Officers.

School Counselling

Our school offers a confidential counselling service to our students.

School counsellors can:

• support students who are worrying about school work, friends, behaviour or feeling down
• help parents and carers make decisions about their child’s education
• assess a student’s learning and behaviour
• work with teachers and students to support learning needs and disabilities
• connect families with other agencies for student wellbeing.

Student Support Officer

Our Student Support Officer (SSO) plays a vital role in the school by providing assistance that enhances student learning, wellbeing, and engagement. Her responsibilities include:

• Supporting students with additional learning needs, such as those with disabilities or learning difficulties.
• Providing personal support and encouragement to students to promote positive social and emotional development.
• Helping with administrative tasks related to student wellbeing and learning support.
• Working collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create supportive learning environments.
• Ensuring the safety and welfare of students during school activities.

Overall, Student Support Officers contribute to a positive and inclusive school environment by helping students overcome barriers to learning and promoting their success and wellbeing.