The Wellbeing program at St John’s College is designed to help students thrive emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually and intellectually.
The Vice Warden is responsible for student wellbeing and oversees the bespoke Living. Well. Being. program which is underpinned by the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.
The Living. Well. Being. program has been designed to help students thrive and flourish at College and assist them in establishing positive life-long habits.
Pastoral Care
St John’s College has an experienced and passionate team of residential staff who support students academically and personally.
St John’s is uniquely placed with five senior staff living on site: the Warden, Vice Warden, Dean of Studies and Associate Deans. They are available for pastoral care, physical and emotional wellbeing 24/7.
In addition to the full-time, professional staff members, a team of 21 Residential Advisors (RAs) live within the student blocks.
RAs are selected based on their leadership abilities, enthusiasm, and dedication to wellbeing. The RA team is trained in first aid, mental health, emergency management and response, ethical bystander and first responder skills. They act as a first point of contact and refer students needing support to the appropriate professionals.
Two members of the RA team focus on equity and inclusion within St John’s College. Their responsibilities include organising events and activities that promote inclusion, as well as advocating for equity and fairness within the student body. The College also has an active LGBTIQA2+ support network.
Residential staff and RAs are on duty each evening and weekend. This means there is always someone to turn to for advice or support.
Peer Support
Johnians take great pride in the sense of community that exists at College. Students are proactive in supporting one another and providing the right support and environment for one another to succeed academically and personally.
Education
Throughout the year, 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.
Wellness Wednesdays and Wellness Weeks
St John’s recognises the importance of providing fun and enjoyable activities aimed at increasing the wellbeing of all students.
Supported by the Dean of Student Wellbeing, 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 and be mindful, and have fun. Each semester, Wellness Week takes place, focusing on a specific theme of the students’ choosing.
Spiritual Care
In addition to residential staff, students may seek support from the College’s Chaplain. The College understands and accepts students may not be Anglican, or Christian; that they may not go to church or belong to any faith group.
Students are welcome to meet with the Chaplain to discuss spiritual matters regardless of their faith.
The College is also mindful that it is situated on the land of the Jagera and Turrbul peoples. Each year, new students and staff are formally welcomed to country by the local mob. This welcome is an important cultural and spiritual ceremony in the College calendar.
Counselling
Sometimes a student may prefer to seek support from outside the College. If needed, the university provides counselling services. The College can help refer students to confidentially discuss any study related or personal issue with professional, qualified counsellors, psychologists, and social workers.