Donna is the Glen Waverley Campus’ new Head of Student Wellbeing. She has experience in a wide variety of educational settings, ranging from Prep to Year 12, in both Australia and the UK. Donna is also currently undertaking part-time doctoral studies at The Melbourne Graduate School of Education in the area of Respectful Relationships. 
Donna’s goals for Wesley as we start the school year include developing wellbeing strategies for staff and students to draw upon and providing opportunities for reconnection. ‘We know good wellbeing takes time,’ says Donna. ‘It’s not a quick fix but an adoption of good habits, exploration of talents and character strengths which help us form authentic and respectful relationships with others and the world around us. This will be the mainstay of our pastoral care program across the whole of the campus.’
To support wellbeing at Wesley, the implementation of ROAR will be integral. What excites her most is that research suggests a whole-of-school approach to wellbeing is the most effective way forward.
‘We know that when teachers start talking about wellbeing with their students, they inherently take on the strategies and skills themselves and students take home and share the same capabilities with their families. The ROAR Approach reminds us that every classroom, sports field, music and drama hall in the school is a place of connection, support, inspiration and growth. It is an evidence-based approach that applies a wellbeing lens to all the decisions and initiatives across the school.’
‘Positive student/teacher relationships are one of the most powerful influences in a young person’s connection to their school community,’ explains Donna. ‘We know a strong sense of belonging to a community is part of ‘self-determination theory’. The evidence-base has repeatedly identified belonging as a predictor of improved wellbeing across many cultures around the world.’
To help foster this sense of belonging with our students, Donna will meet with students and staff on a day-to-day basis, aiding her design of ‘a bespoke curriculum and initiatives that are purpose-fit for the Wesley Community.’
Donna says one of her favourite places on campus is the Senior School Quad at lunchtime on Fridays, where House activities take place. ‘The quad is filled with happy faces, joyous laughter, singing, dancing, clapping, cheering,” she says. ‘It contains all of those wonderful attributes and qualities that embody a strong sense of wellbeing. We are learning to value these simple acts again as important daily reminders of human connection and personal agency.’
