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Homegroups
Home Groups in Junior Secondary and Middle School play an important part in building connections with other students.
MLC’s wellbeing groups provide a supportive environment where each student’s social, emotional and academic needs are met.
In Junior School, Class Groups are the foundation for students to learn and build connections. In Years 7 and 8 students belong to a Home Group. They have subject classes together and their Home Group Teacher is also one of their subject teachers. To provide continuity and build strong relationships in Years 9 – 12, students are part of the one wellbeing group for two consecutive years. They also typically have the same wellbeing teacher for two years running, enabling wellbeing staff to forge strong connections with the students in their group, as well as their parents and/or carers.
Class, Home and Tutor Group teachers develop and deliver MLC’s PROSPER wellbeing framework. They are a daily point of contact for students and create inclusive, respectful environments so that each student feels welcomed, connected and known at school.
Junior Secondary School Home Group teacher, Suzanne Toniolo, says Home Groups in Year 7 provide a forum for exploring wellbeing issues such as sleep, diet, friendships, screen time and other factors that influence students’ relationships and wellbeing. Students enjoy regular visits from their Year 11 Big Sisters, as well as activities designed to foster connection and belonging.
“The girls in 7J regularly thank their Home Group Captains, and one another, for the friendships and activities we engage in. They recognise each others’ achievements and gain satisfaction in telling each other what they’re grateful for. They appreciate that Home Group is their soft landing space as well as their booster,” says Suzanne.
Wellbeing
GROUPS
CREATING THE RIGHT CONDITIONS FOR RESPECTFUL, TRUSTING AND CARING RELATIONSHIPS
Olivia Church, Year 10 student Middle School student, Olivia Church says she enjoys building connections with other students in her friendly Home Group environment.
“I love the structure of having the same Home Group teacher for two years in a row, particularly experiencing MLC Marshmead with the same group of girls. I have also enjoyed learning how to apply PROSPER to my life at school. We’ve worked a lot in our Home Group on developing relationships and empathy for others.”
Olivia says she appreciates the academic support provided by Home Group teachers.
“My Home Group teacher reviews our academic reports with us and suggests ideas for improvement. We have also learnt about ways to manage our time efficiently, to help us set up a study routine for Senior School.”
Olivia also says Home Group has been a great way to connect online during remote learning.
“The small group discussions have been really enjoyable. I’ve also valued the one on one check-ins with my Home Group teacher.”
Junior School Class Teacher and College Chaplain (JS and JSS), Jo Waterhouse, aims to create a trusting environment where everyone has an opportunity to share and to support each other.
“Students enjoy being actively engaged with their learning journey at MLC – not merely as a bystander or spectator,” says Jo. “Parents who are Old Collegians have spoken to me about the difference MLC’s wellbeing approach has made to their life choices and direction. It is humbling.”
