Connect with your classmates, connect with your teacher, connect with yourself
Connect is a dynamic and supportive program designed to strengthen relationships among students, staff and peers throughout their schooling journey. The program promotes holistic development by empowering students to better understand themselves, build meaningful connections, and make positive contributions to their community.
Throughout the year, Connect sessions also provide opportunities for students to reflect on their personal growth, explore life beyond school, and engage in the delivery of the Respectful Relationships curriculum and Personal and Social Capabilities.
Research shows that adolescents who feel connected to their school are more likely to:
- achieve academic success
- develop a clear sense of direction and purpose
- experience higher levels of self-esteem and optimism
- demonstrate greater motivation
- show respect, empathy, and understanding through social and emotional learning
- act as upstanders by intervening to prevent peer-to-peer violence, such as bullying
- show resilience
- experience sustained wellbeing in the years ahead.
Year 7 & 8
Students will participate in Connect within their core class, facilitated by a regular teacher. Each week, students will engage in a range of activities designed to support their personal growth, wellbeing and sense of belonging. These include:
- Wellio lessons – a digital platform aligned with the Victorian Curriculum’s Personal and Social Capabilities, Critical and Creative Thinking and Respectful Relationships.
- Personalised lessons – tailored to support student connectedness, promote curiosity, and encourage students to think deeply, explore their ideas, and develop as inquisitive learners.
- Careers lessons – encouraging students to explore their strengths, interests, and potential future pathways beyond school.
- Novelty weeks and culturally significant occasions – celebrating diversity, awareness and inclusion across the school community.
- House events – organised by each College’s House team to build school spirit, teamwork, and connection. On occasions, these will be facilitated by year 12 house leaders.
Our year 7 to year 9 students will use these sessions to also prepare for their Student Led Conferences in term 4. Throughout the year, classes will have allocated time to set goals, reflect on these and produce a portfolio of their academic learnings for the year. Towards the end of term 4, students will be allocated a 10 minute interview with a staff member and a parent to showcase their work.
Year 9 to 12
Students are placed in classes that foster engagement, connection, and support as they progress through their schooling. Their Connect teacher acts as a mentor, guiding them through a range of weekly activities designed to enhance personal growth, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. These include:
- MyMahi lessons – a digital platform aligned with the Victorian Curriculum’s Personal and Social Capabilities and Critical and Creative Thinking strands.
- Personalised lessons – designed to strengthen connectedness, inspire curiosity, and encourage students to think critically and creatively.
- Careers lessons – helping students identify their strengths, interests, and future pathways beyond school, including targeted lessons on VCAA and VTAC processes for Senior School students.
- Novelty weeks and culturally significant occasions – celebrating diversity, awareness, and inclusion across the school community.