LB: What is your name and your role at the College?

Shannon Mitchell and I have been a psychologist at RHAC for 12 years.

LB: What would your average day look like at RHAC?

My day can vary quite a lot, but often looks like some individual counselling with students, meetings with parents, phone calls with external professionals, and responding to occurrences that pop up throughout the day. I’ve also more recently started running Study Without Stress group sessions with older students.

LB: What do you most enjoy about your job?

I love watching the growth and transformation of young people over time. It is one of the benefits of working in a school that you don’t necessarily get in private practice. I often have really fascinating and thought-provoking conversations with students, which I really enjoy.

LB: What would your order be at our Grove Café?

Now that the weather is warming up, I like a long black over ice. I try to resist the cookies and the raspberry muffins, but many times the temptation gets the better of me!

LB: What is the biggest misconception about your role?

That any student that cries needs to see a counsellor. Crying is a normal expression of emotions and shows that we are human! Yes, we see students when they are sad or dealing with difficult emotions, but a lot of our role is also about being proactive in promoting wellbeing and positive mental health.

LB: What other areas of school life do you enjoy?

I love carnival days and House Day. They are fun, and I like the energy. It’s nice to interact with students in a different way than what I normally get to do.

LB: Is there a Bible verse that you find encouraging?

The Bible verse that is speaking to me at the moment comes from Romans 8:26-28 because I find it encouraging to know that it cares intimately for and advocates for us – “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.

LB: What is your name and your role at the College?

My name is Catherine Maybury and I work as a School Psychologist in the Senior School at RHAC.

LB: What would your average day look like at RHAC?

Every day is different, but typically I will see students for individual counselling sessions, speak with parents or teachers, do some case formulation, which is where we develop a hypothesis about what is happening for the student (which then defines the treatment method), write reports or letters for external professionals or join meetings to plan support for our students.

LB: What do you most enjoy about your job?

Being there when a student sees themselves in a different light. When they have learnt to be compassionate toward themselves and to be curious about why they behave the way they do. It’s always exciting.

LB: What would your order be at our Grove Café?

I don’t drink coffee (I know, I know) so maybe a hot chocolate? I can’t resist Sarah's (Grove Cafe staff) double chocolate chip cookies, either.

LB: What is the biggest misconception about your roles?

That we give students direct advice. In contrast, we have been trained to spend time teaching our students flexible thinking strategies that encourage them to come to understand themselves and their motivations better. Another misconception is that Psychologists just sit and “chat” with their clients. There is a fair amount of conversation that takes place, but it is an evidence-based approach where we listen for the risk and protective factors for our student as they talk, and from there develop theories and interventions about what might be helpful for them.

LB: What other areas of school life do you enjoy?

Spending time with the staff, whether that’s down in Admin or in a staffroom or at camp. I love working collegially and a school is a fantastic place to do that.

LB: Is there a Bible verse that you find encouraging?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6

Thanks to both Mrs Maybury and Mrs Mitchell for sharing with us.

In a similar way, we need to consider what we need to have in place for our students as they learn to successfully steer their way through the world. This is also a complex task that needs to be broken down into small segments. It means helping our students to learn how to regulate their own emotions and behaviour, how to find their way through positive friendships and how to work collaboratively with their peers. It means providing calm, safe learning spaces where students know they can make a mistake and get help when they need it and providing fair and transparent approaches to supporting students when they do the wrong thing. Much of this learning takes place in the classroom during Wellbeing, Christian Education and PDH lessons; in Chapels and Assemblies, and in small groups we create for students who might need a little extra help. It also happens in the incidental conversations between teachers and students that take place in the classroom and playground.

Part of this learning requires us to work in partnership with families as we help students navigate technology in a positive way. In a conversation this week, I have again retold the story of how we managed computers in my house when my children were growing up. We had one desktop computer which was kept at a desk on the landing at the top of the stairs. It was very public and anyone who walked past saw the screen and what was being done on the computer. The computer was plugged into the internet in the wall. It was simple to know what our children were doing. Since those days we have opened our children to instant access to the world through wireless technology and smartphones. There are many great things about this, but it does mean that wherever they are, at whatever time they like, children can access things that we might be shocked by.

This poses challenges for parents and teachers alike. We put several strategies in place in the Junior School; students hand their phones in in the morning and pick them up at the end of the day, we intentionally consider when and where students work on computers in the classroom, and we carefully curate the material they access. In addition, students receive fortnightly STEM lessons where ethical and appropriate use of technology is explored. Strategies families have at home are also important and can include limiting the amount of time children are on technology, finding other things for them to do other than giving them a phone as the first option for entertainment, and not allowing them to have phones or computers in their bedrooms. Possibly the most important strategy is modelling responsible use of our own phones and computers, including the way we respond to issues on social media.

Both at school and at home, we also want to create spaces for children to feel comfortable to talk about their concerns. There are many opportunities during a school day for students to talk with their teachers and other staff. At home when my children were at growing up, I learned to stop and listen when my children wanted to talk, even when it was inconvenient. We also always had a technology-free dinner as I firmly believe that the conversations around the dinner table that you have with your children when they are young plant the rhythms and routines that will help to carry them through adolescence when they might not be so quick to talk about what is bothering them.

Romans 12:9-17

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Blessings.

Monday, 16th September

• Public Speaking finals - parents welcome

Tuesday, 17th September

• Y6 Science Fair & Learning Showcase - parents welcome

Wednesday, 18th September

• Y3 Day Camp

• Stage 3 HZSA Afternoon Sport (Sem 2)

Thursday, 19th September

• Y12 & Kindergarten bonding time

Friday, 20th September

• K-2 Athletics Carnival - parents welcome

• Stage 2 HZSA Afternoon Sport (Sem 2)

Monday, 23rd September

• N/A

Tuesday, 24th September

• N/A

Wednesday, 25th September

• Stage 3 HZSA Afternoon Sport (Sem 2)

Thursday, 26th September

• N/A

Friday, 27th September

• Stage 2 HZSA Afternoon Sport (Sem 2)

Monday, 16th September

• HSC Music Practical Examination
• Y12 Celebrations Game 3: Staff vs Student Sports
• Rep Sports

Tuesday, 17th September

• Y10 Elevate Session
• Rep Sports

Wednesday, 18th September

• Y11 Preliminary Examinations

• Y12 Study Afternoon

• Rep Sports

Thursday, 19th September

• Y11 Preliminary Examinations
• HZSA Open Cricket - Round 3
• Y12 & Kindergarten bonding time

• Y12 VA Studio Time

• Rep Sports

Friday, 20th September

• Y11 Preliminary Examinations
• Music Preliminary Exam
• Y7 Pinball Showcase
• Y10 IST Arcade Game Showcase
• HZSA Open Badminton Championship

Monday, 23rd September

• Rep Sports

Tuesday, 24th September

• Y12 & Kindergarten Concert
• Rep Sports

Wednesday, 25th September

• Y12 Study Afternoon

• Rep Sports

Thursday, 26th September

• Y21 Fun Day

Friday, 27th September

• Y12 Valedictory Breakfast & Service
• Y12 Formal
• Various extra curricular activities

We need your support

This event is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together, celebrate and create lasting memories. But to make this day truly special, we need your support!

Whether you are interested in a lead role as a Stall Coordinator or simply want to lend a helping hand, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Volunteer registration link coming soon.

Donations welcome

Can’t help or make it on the day but still want to contribute? Consider making a donation to support Spring Fair stalls in our school community. Every contribution, large or small, propels us forward to continue to provide more accessible facilities and a welcoming environment for our students and community. Get in touch today via the email link below.

Make sure you follow RHAC's social media pages for updates.

• RHAC’s vision, values and approach to learning
• uniform and stationery requirements
• lost property
• a map of the College
• managing student absences
• student illness and well-being (e.g. caring for students who are sick at school, school counselling and reporting student success)
• extra-curricular opportunities
• technology
• communication - flowcharts are provided to assist parents in knowing who to contact, an explanation on how to make a complaint
• parent involvement and the work of the RHAC P&F
• policies and procedures