Student Wellbeing

The Domains of Wellbeing

During their time at St John’s College, our students grow themselves intellectually, emotionally, through sport and cultural extracurricular activities, and do so as part of a supportive community.

Our approach to fostering student wellbeing is underpinned by positive psychological theories, latest research and evidence of best practice, and feedback from our students themselves.

The different domains of wellbeing can be encapsulated through the acronym SPIRE.

SPIRITUAL

Leading a meaningful life and mindfully savouring the present.

PHYSICAL

Caring for the body and tapping into the mind-body connection.

INTELLECTUAL

Engaging in deep learning and opening to experience.

RELATIONAL

Nurturing a constructive relationship with self and others.

EMOTIONAL

Feeling all emotions, reaching towards resilience and positivity.

The Wellbeing Program

The Wellbeing Program at St John’s College is overseen by the Vice Warden and managed by the Dean of Students and we have multiple levels of support for our students at John’s.

The College has a ‘no wrong door policy’ which means we encourage students to speak with whichever member of staff or student leader they feel most comfortable, whether it’s the Warden, Vice Warden, Dean of Students, Chaplain, Dean of Studies, or the Registrar.

The College employs a Night Duty Manager or Duty Tutor who patrols the campus in the evenings, responds to emergencies and is available to assist students outside of normal patrol hours. In addition there are five residential staff who live on site and are on call on a rostered basis This means there is always someone to turn to for advice or support.

Beginning in O'Week, students are provided with evidence-based training on issues such as alcohol and other drug use, respectful relationships, and positive mental health strategies. This list is not exhaustive, and the training is always well-received, as evidenced by the positive feedback from our students.

Students with the college dog

Students with sunflowers in the sunshine

Students celebrating

Students raising money for charity by getting heads shaved

Our Vibrant Community

Students at an event

Being part of a vibrant community is a central aspect of overall wellbeing, and the St John’s community is known for being tight-knit, inclusive and free of cliques.

More than anything, it is the inclusive nature of our community that you will find encapsulates the St John’s experience, and it is this sense of friendship and belonging that sees our students remain connected to the College for the rest of their lives.

Supported by the Dean of Students, the Community Convenor organises events and activities focused on wellbeing each week to support students physically and emotionally. Activities are designed to forge strong friendships, help students relax, practice mindfulness, and have fun.

Wellness Week takes place each semester, focusing on a specific theme of the students’ choosing. The College also offers volunteering opportunities throughout the year as a way for students to engage with and give back to the local community.

Our students are enthusiastic about cheering on their College peers in sports and curricular activities. You will always see a large sea of choc and gold when a Johnian (aka Jabba) is competing!

Student Club (SJCSC)

Every student in the St John's community is a member of the Student Club. The Club is governed by an elected Student Club Executive – a group that shares in the leadership of the College.

Elected sub-committees are comprised of students from all years and include the Social Committee, Sports Committee, Cultural Committee and Inter-College Council Committee.

Amongst other things, the Student Club executive and their respective sub-committees organise an impressive lineup of events including Orientation Week, the College Ball, John's Fest, Jazz Night, and a wide range of community service and social programs.

The Residential Advisor (RA) team

From your first day at college, you will be greeted by your RAs who will help you settle into your new home away from home and will create a positive culture within your block.

Your RAs will live in your block with you and will be there to support you throughout the year. They typically act as a first point of contact and refer students needing support to the appropriate professionals.

RAs are student leadership positions, appointed by the College in consultation with the student body, selected based on their leadership abilities, enthusiasm, and dedication to wellbeing.

The team is led by the Senior Residential Advisors (SRAs) and the Dean of Students. There is a thorough training program to prepare RAs for the role, with training in first aid, mental health, emergency management and response, ethical bystander and first responder skills.

Dining Hall Connections

Another special aspect of the college culture is our dining hall etiquette.

Students eat all meals together in the dining hall, which is a phone free zone. Students fill the next available seat in the dining hall. This practice gives students the space to form deep connections with all members of the community.

More about meals & dining

Spiritual Wellbeing

St John’s College, as an Anglican institution, encourages every student to navigate their spiritual journey freely, recognising the significance of spiritual wellbeing as a crucial facet of ‘holistic’ wellbeing – i.e. the mind, body and spirit.

St John’s embraces the diversity of the community, recognising that not everyone may identify as Anglican/Christian, or follow any specific faith tradition.

Students who would like to discuss spiritual matters further are welcome to meet with the College Chaplain, Reverend Samuel Dow, who will provide space for exploring such questions in a non-judgmental and supportive manner.

Throughout the year the College Chaplain will curate a range of chapel services, contemplative/mindfulness resources and occasions where students can engage and reflect on their own spiritual wellbeing.

Experience the transformative power of belonging