As a parent, we play a huge role in supporting our child’s ability to work through challenges and nurture positive wellbeing and mental health
The Role Parents Play In Promoting Positive Mental Health – Santa Maria College Read More »
There is much debate about the best education pathway. One size does not fit all. What is important is what is best for each individual student.
Year 12 Pathways: Finding the Right Fit for Every Student – Santa Maria College Read More »
Have you used artificial intelligence (AI) to help you perform a task? In the past week, I have trialled the latest AI development ChatGPT to:
ChatGPT… to Ban or Embrace? – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
In terms of gender equality, the sports world has made tremendous progress in recent years. Women have accomplished great things in a variety of sports, and girls now have greater opportunities than ever before to participate.
Gender Equality in Sport – Santa Maria College Read More »
We live in a society where there is an emphasis on performance, achievement and perfection. Anything less than perfect is seen as a failure or weakness.
The Challenges of Perfectionism – Santa Maria College Read More »
The transition from primary to high school can be daunting for children. What can we do to make sure they are prepared and the transition is easy?
Transition Smoothly To High School – Santa Maria College Read More »
Grief is commonly linked to death of family or friends, but it can also happen when you lose something of value.
Grief – Santa Maria College Read More »
Joy doesn’t come from others; it comes from within us. When we are more present, the simple things in life become joyful; the food we eat, the air we breathe, the sounds of nature and our families. The more we get in touch with our true selves, the more joy we will feel. With joy, there is hope. The present is where joy lives.
What Gives You Joy? – Santa Maria College Read More »
Competitions and comparisons to others are common, not just in schools but in society
I Don’t Have To Be Better; I Just Have To Be Me – Santa Maria College Read More »
Social media has changed the way we access our news. People expect to be informed immediately or even while it is happening; anyone generates imagery, mobile phone recordings are often used, and the footage is broadcasted live from the scene, with little filtering.
More Bad News – Santa Maria College Read More »
Fathers or father figures play a significant role in the lives of young women. They can significantly impact a girl’s wellbeing, growth and journey through life.
The Importance Of Fathers In Girls Lives – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
The purpose of camps is to push students beyond their comfort zone. The activities are unfamiliar, being away from family may be unfamiliar and working in teams may be unfamiliar. Life sends us many unfamiliar situations and challenges where we have to be prepared to be brave and have a go.
Camps – Having A Go – Santa Maria College Read More »
This blog discusses the impact that the social media app TikTok is having on teenagers and what schools are doing to reduce its negative effects. It also provides 5 things students can do to be a respectful user, as well as 5 things parents can do to help manage their child’s TikTok use.
The Impact Of TikTok On Young People – Santa Maria College Read More »
As parents, we have a duty to keep our children safe from harm. And when it comes to vaping, we need to be particularly vigilant. Youth vaping is on the rise and can pose a serious health risk for our children.
Say No To Vaping – Santa Maria College Read More »
Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the range of differences in how our brains are wired and operated. Neuro means the brain and diversity, the differences that exist between people.
Understanding Neurodiversity – Santa Maria College Read More »
College psychologist Dr Kimberlee Burrows delivered a webinar on teens and social media this week. In this blog, she shares important tips and resources for parents on this topic.
My Teen and Social Media: Santa Maria College Read More »
Entering high school from primary school is an exciting time for children and their parents, but it can also be challenging for your child. Some children cope with change better than others. As parents, what we say and how we respond to challenges they face can significantly change how a student settles into high school.
Transitioning Into High School – Jennifer Oaten Read More »
In schools we talk constantly about protecting girls from harm. We teach them about paedophiles, on-line grooming, sexting, and the harm caused by drug and alcohol use. In reality, the more likely destructive influence on an adolescent girl’s day to day life is the damage they do to one another in their friendship groups…Relational aggression.
What You Need To Know About Girls And Their Frenemies Read More »
Kids are hard-wired to be negative. We all are. Scientists call it the negativity bias. However, we can overcome this bias and make our lives more positive.
Kids Are Hardwired To Be Negative But You Can Do Something About It Read More »
Transitions are often daunting for kids. The thing they worry about most is making friends. How can you help in a way that is effective and empowering?
How To Help Your Child Make New Friends Read More »
The greatest protective factor a child can have is an adult who likes them and listens to them. Yet research shows a large percentage of kids don’t feel as though they have that. Why? And how do we change it?
We care about our kids, so why don’t they know it? Read More »
You don’t find balance in life, you create it. Here are five important ways we can help our kids to create the balance they need in their lives.
Helping Your Child Create Balance in Their World Read More »
A podcast from renowned psychologist Andrew Fuller and his guest Marie Vakakis. They discuss emotion coaching for adolescents.
What Is Emotion Coaching? Read More »
Why do some very bright children fail to be successful students? A good brain alone is not enough to achieve academic success. Here are 10 characteristics of successful students
What Are Successful Students Doing Well? Read More »
Shame is unspoken, toxic and destructive. When we shame a child it can have lasting effects. Yet we all do it. Why? And how can we repair the damage?
Shame: Why It Is The Most Destructive Weapon Of All Read More »
Active-constructive responding is a set of behaviours that promote intimacy and trust. Responding to a child’s good news in this way builds the relationship.
The Enormous Power of Celebration Read More »
In schools we talk constantly about protecting girls from harm. We teach them about paedophiles, on-line grooming, sexting, and the harm caused by drug and alcohol use. In reality, the more likely destructive influence on an adolescent girl’s day to day life is the damage they do to one another in their friendship groups…Relational aggression.
What You Need To Know About Girls And Their Frenemies Read More »
Adolescents are heavily influenced by other people’s opinions. How can we encourage them to be more critical of the opinions they listen to?
Why Is My Teenager Paralysed by Other People’s Opinions? Read More »
TikTok came of age during the original COVID-19 restrictions. Kids love it, but is it having an impact on their development?
Is TikTok Impacting Your Child’s Development? Read More »
Perfection paralysis is the fear of starting a task for fear of not getting it exactly right. What drives perfection paralysis and how can we help kids overcome it?
Perfection Paralysis Read More »
