From the Senior Years
On Monday 25 August, Year 10 and 11 students joined together as part of their Wellbeing learning to hear from Angelica Pupillo, a registered dietitian presented on the importance of health eating and the importance of nutrition as a fundamental pillar of wellbeing – a foundation alongside sleep, connection and movement.
In a world of wellness information, Angelica spoke about the difficulty that can be faced when navigating the myriad ‘claims’ of the wellness industry. It was important that students develop critical awareness of the vested interests and bold and at times untested and unreviewed ‘evidence’ presented through seductive social media campaigning on TikTok and Instagram.
On Monday, we had an incursion about nutrition, that focused on demystifying the ‘wellness’ industry, especially some of the bold and ‘evidence-free’ information. During this incursion, we learnt about the kind of health content that is online, how to identify if an influencer is trying to sell a product, and how social media algorithms reward certain types of content that has little documented and independently reviewed testing. We also learnt about how much misinformation can be present in online sources of health, wellness and lifestyle information. It was important to hear this from a dietician, especially how to identify possible ambit claims.
Angelica also provided information about other ways – especially whole foods – to support us to stay healthy. It was interesting to hear about the role that food and nutrition (and hydration) plays in health sleep hygiene and routines. Angelica’s presentation was informative and engaging.
India C, Year 11
On Tuesday 26 August, Year 12 students came together as a Year level to enjoy a mid-term treat of morning tea. It is important to mark the half-way point with hospitality and some warm food. These are important and fun occasions to lift the spirits with the end of Term 3 in sight.
At the end of last week, the key message for Year 12s at their Year level assembly focused on the baselines of wellbeing during a busy period of Term 3: consistency, steady pacing and effort, routine and nourishing food, sleep, connection and daily movement.
Another key idea was the notion of the ‘pit crew.’ For Year 12 students, they are the Max Verstappen of their academic year: they are in the driving seat and working towards their own individual academic and personal goals. That said, like Verstappen, their effort relies on team support and precision work by the ‘crew’ in changing tires, pressure and refueling to name some of the tasks the Red Bull ‘pit crew’ completes in near World Record time each lap.
The support provided by the ‘pit crew’ is invaluable in setting the driver up for success.
Parents and carers are part of the pit crew – as chefs, cleaners, dry-cleaners and counsellors – everything that you do plays a key role in the team effort. Similarly, all subject teachers are also in the pit crew supporting students to achieve their best.
Tom Crowle
Senior Years Leader