Well-being and school success go ‘hand-in-hand’ says SFX College captain

Cookie decoration

At one end of the room, students are gathered around tables, concentrating intently as they paint cookies in bright colours. A few metres away, their friends giggle and chat as the Gecko Gang transforms them into butterflies with face paint and glitter tattoos. Therapy dogs wander through the space, live music plays and tables are laden with delicious snacks.

St Francis Xavier College (SFX) in Florey was buzzing with joy this morning as the school hosted its annual Senior Wellbeing Morning.

School Captains Charlie Davis and Raziel Colina-Alcazar said the initiative helped them recentre their minds to what mattered—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 only benefit our results,” Charlie said.

“There needs to be an understanding that our wellbeing and how well we do in school does come hand-in-hand,” said Charlie.

(L-R) School Captains Charlie Davis and Raziel Colina-Alcazar

The senior students made the most of a fun morning, switching between various relaxation activities, including mindfulness colouring, yoga, meditation, chess, and strength training.

“Events like these need to be normalised within school communities,” Raziel said.

“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.”

Director of Student Wellbeing Jessica Tarbuck said the morning aimed to promote well-being and a positive mindset among senior students before their mid-year exams.

“We know there is a strong connection between wellbeing and academic success,” she said.

Harry Carman

“It is a wonderful chance for students to engage and be with one another, especially Year 11’s, who are facing their first exam block. We try to cater for everyone – some students like a little quiet, while others want to be active and get some nervous energy out.”

Jessica said well-being was a significant focus for the school, and the activities were carefully curated to improve focus and boost self-confidence, cultivating a resilient and healthy headspace for students to tackle their exams.

Gecko Gang at work

“It is so vital, and it is something we work on throughout the year to support our students as they make valuable contributions to society,” she said.

Charlie said being at a school that prioritised wellbeing was a great feeling.

“I genuinely love that they are doing this,” she said.

“Even the thought of this morning was enough to make me happy. You just feel heard.”