BUILDING BELONGING & CULTIVATING CONNECTION

By Lauren Hargreaves

Geography

Teacher – Senior School

Head of Student House (Snow House) – Senior School

In March 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the AISNSW K – 12 Wellbeing Conference: Building Belonging and Cultivating Connection. As a new Head of Student House, I found this conference incredibly informative and inspiring, offering valuable opportunities to network with leading researchers in student wellbeing and pastoral leaders from other independent schools.

Several moments resonated with me throughout the conference, especially as I reflected on my experiences with Year 7 students in Term 1. These students, transitioning to Senior School for the first time, strive for a sense of belonging and connection. I discovered that there are many definitions and opinions on what belonging truly means and, more importantly, what it feels like to belong. One of the keynote speakers, Emeritus Professor Donna Cross, defined belonging as “much more than being part of a group; it involves feeling personally accepted, respected, included, supported, and valued within that group.”

Another presenter from the Black Dog Institute remarked that “belonging is a fundamental human need, equal to the need to feel loved” and noted that the health risks associated with social isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and twice as harmful as obesity. This statistic was shocking and relevant to my professional goal this year: building an inclusive, safe space within Year 7 House. I aim to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging to Snow House, their Tutor Group, and, ultimately, to CGS.

My observations from my first term in the Year 7 pastoral role have revealed that, for many students, the transition to Senior School is challenging, with social connectedness being what each student craves. Students often struggle to connect, lacking the skills and confidence to navigate social interactions. This can lead to negative experiences, feelings of anxiety or isolation, and ultimately, a breakdown in their sense of belonging.

A key takeaway from Dr Annie Gowing, Senior Lecturer at the University of Melbourne, was that “the process (not a state) of connecting is key. Relationships are the powerhouse of connectedness. Friendships and peer relationships are the leading relationships that make school the place they want to be. Connection endures; however, belonging does not. Therefore, connectedness may lead to belonging but also not, making it a fragile process.”

I have been reflecting on how to use this theory to build a positive culture in Snow House by fostering students’ sense of belonging through targeted, evidence-based strategies. I also plan to implement early intervention strategies for Year 7s that support their social-emotional learning, ultimately improving their overall wellbeing. If we can help our students to connect and feel like they belong, we can set them up for success as they navigate their Senior School journey.

At Canberra Grammar School, developing positive relationships with all our students is one of our greatest strengths. However, as Dr Ray Swann, Head of the Crowther Centre, remarked, “It has never been harder to be a young man.”