A morning dedicated to students’ wellbeing: SFX senior students conquering exams with a healthy mindset

St Francis Xavier College (SFX) hosted its annual Senior Wellbeing Morning on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 to promote wellbeing and positive mindset among senior students ahead of their mid-year exams. The school has long been a champion of student wellbeing and the activities were carefully curated to improve focus and boost self-confidence, cultivating a more resilient and healthier headspace for students to ace their exams.

In collaboration with members of the local community, the senior students engaged in various relaxation and mindfulness-oriented activities, including: 

• support and therapy animals provided by ACT Rescue and Foster dogs
• physical and mental exercises ranging from strength training, yoga to meditation activities
• mindfulness colouring
• cookie painting by Take Make Bake
• live musical performance by Harry Carman
• face painting by Gecko Gang
• board games such as chess

SFX College Captains, Charlie Davis and Raziel Colina-Alcazar, found the initiative helpful to recentre their minds to what matters – striving for success in their exams while not forgetting to nurture their mental health.

“Our wellbeing does trickle its way into the classroom and our exams, and by doing events like these, they are only benefitting our results. There needs to be an understanding that our wellbeing and how well we do in school do come hand in hand,” said Charlie.

“Events like these need to be normalised within school communities. Introducing this event to our school system more broadly will provide an excellent opportunity for students to wind down, relax and really take the time they need before the stressful part of the exams,” said Raziel.  

By investing in students’ wellbeing, SFX is changing the narrative that success is not just about grades, but a healthy mind too. College Principal Sandra Darley emphasised the importance of mental wellness for the next generation of leaders as they navigate new challenges beyond their school years.

“At St Francis Xavier College, our focus is on student wellbeing. When schools emphasise wellbeing, we see better engagement and more positive and optimistic outcomes for our learners.”

Media contact: Crystal Lavien, Marketing and Communications Officer, 02 6278 9020