Year 9

STRIVE GEM Day

Our Year 9 students recently participated in a dedicated GEM Day as part of the STRIVE program, focusing on the important wellbeing pillars of Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness, while also developing their Emotional Literacy skills. The day was inspired by our participation in The Resilience Project as our program for Wellbeing for Learning.

Throughout the day, students engaged in a range of hands-on and reflective activities designed to encourage positive mental health and stronger connections within our school community.

In the Gratitude session, students created a collaborative Gratitude Tree, reflecting on the people, experiences and opportunities they appreciate in their lives. Students also completed “Staff Shout Outs,” recognising staff members who have positively impacted their school experience through kindness, encouragement and support.

During the Empathy sessions, students explored the concept of kindness through activities connected to The Resilience Project’s “Ubuntu” message — recognising the importance of caring for others and ourselves. Students reflected on practical acts of kindness they could show to others and developed greater understanding of different perspectives through scenario-based discussions and the thinking routine ‘Step In, Step Out, Step Back’.

Mindfulness was explored through a calming painting activity where students created individual canvas tiles while practising focus, creativity and being present in the moment. Accompanied by guided breathing exercises from The Resilience Project, the activity encouraged students to slow down and express themselves in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Students also participated in Emotional Literacy activities using “Body Maps,” where they identified how emotions can physically present in the body. These discussions helped students better recognise emotional responses, understand physical warning signs and explore healthy coping strategies.

The day concluded with students receiving a Mindfulness toolkit which contained a instructions for Five-count belly breathing, a fidget, lollies and a teabag from the T2 Deeper Sleeper range.

GEM Day was a valuable opportunity for students to strengthen their understanding of wellbeing and self-awareness while continuing to build a positive and connected Year 9 community through the STRIVE program.