Wellbeing Panel: Damien Edmonds (1987), Mitch Rosenlund (Nansen Housemaster), Alastair McDonald (Year 12), John Stavrou (1987), Toby Ford (1977).

The Parent Wellbeing Lecture Series at Churchie offers valuable insights for parents on educational challenges. Each year, the Senior School, in collaboration with Parent Connect, invites experts to address various topics.

The latest lecture, a joint effort with the Old Boys’ Association, featured a panel discussion on Mental Health and Seeking Support. Facilitated by Old Boy Damien Edmonds (1987), the panel included Alastair McDonald, a Year 12 student and Wellbeing Ambassador; Mitch Rosenlund, a teacher and Nansen Housemaster; and Dr. Toby Ford (1977), CEO of Ford Health and an expert in corporate health. Additionally, Old Boy John Stavrou (1987), a TIACS board member, discussed the Viking Wellbeing program, which he and Damien Edmonds initiated and launched with the OBA in 2021.

The discussion covered wellbeing from diverse perspectives—parental, student, alumni, and individual. Key themes included personal growth, building meaningful relationships, and managing anxiety constructively. Effective strategies involve balancing personal ego with empathy and fostering open discussions about mental health.

Churchie’s vertical house system plays a vital role in pastoral care, supporting students' academic, social, spiritual, and emotional development. Each of the eleven houses is led by a Housemaster and supported by tutor teachers, creating a strong support network. The Wellbeing Ambassador program, now in its second year, enhances communication and daily interactions among students, fostering resilience and optimism.

For confidential support, the OBA’s Viking Wellbeing programme offers the 1300BLUEGREY service for anonymous counselling, aimed at managing social and professional pressures and reducing suicide rates among Old Boys. This initiative supports the entire Churchie community, promoting resilience and wellbeing.

To view the panel discussion, please click here.