At St Mark’s College, wellbeing is more than just a priority—it’s at the heart of everything we do. This year, we have continued to build and strengthen a vibrant, supportive community where students thrive not only academically but personally as well. Our approach to wellbeing is holistic in acknowledgement of the diverse needs of our students, and we provide them with opportunities for growth, support, and connection.
The College is especially fortunate to have Ms Sally Cassidy, a social worker with extensive experience in mental health support (most recently in Counselling at the University of Adelaide), as our Director of Wellbeing, and our Dean, Mr Stuart Meldrum, a registered psychologist. We also work closely with colleagues in the South Australian universities and with May Health to further support student wellbeing.
Many of the resources to support students’ wellbeing can be found on the Thrive@Marks page of the College’s website.
The importance of wellbeing science
Our approach is rooted in wellbeing science, which emphasises the importance of mental, emotional, and physical health.
In Australia, mental health challenges among young people have escalated, with 26% of those aged 16–24 reporting high psychological distress, and nearly 70% of university students rating their mental health as “poor” or “fair” (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023). Depression, anxiety, and financial pressures are significant causal factors in mental ill health, and mental health remains a leading reason for students considering leaving university.
With 75% of lifetime mental health conditions emerging by age 24, our focus on resilience and preventative wellbeing equips students with essential skills to support both their academic success and long-term wellbeing.
Building resilience and developing life skills
In addition to providing one-on-one support for students facing wellbeing challenges, we help them develop resilience and the character traits needed to navigate life’s ups and downs. Skills like adaptability, emotional regulation, and optimism are crucial for personal and professional growth, empowering our students to thrive during their years at St Mark’s and beyond.
A strong sense of gratitude is a key element of this approach, as we place great value on teaching students to appreciate and reflect on life’s positives. Our College Chaplain, Rev’d Canon Steve Daughtry, who provides much-valued pastoral care to our students, highlighted the transformational power of gratitude in his final sermon of the year, encouraging students to recognise and express appreciation for the people and moments that have shaped their journey.
Our dedicated wellbeing team of student leaders
Working closely with our Director of Wellbeing, our Wellbeing Team of student leaders, led by our Assistant Deans and Senior Residential Advisor, has provided essential wellbeing support to students across the college. The team, comprising Residential Advisors, Flat Wardens, and Indigenous Student Advisors, ensures that every student feels supported, connected, and safe, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can flourish.
Wellbeing training and gratitude journals
Each year, students participate in wellbeing training sessions designed to equip them with skills to manage stress, support peers, and build resilience. This training forms the foundation of our wellbeing culture at St Mark’s, ensuring every student has the tools they need to thrive. Additionally, all first-year students receive a gratitude journal in their welcome packs, encouraging them to practice gratitude and positive reflection from the start of their journey.
Wellbeing bites and Formal Hall initiatives
One of the standout wellbeing initiatives this year has been our Wellbeing Bites at Formal Hall. These short but impactful activities engage students in mindfulness and personal reflection. From 2-minute meditations to gratitude exercises, these moments foster mindfulness and self-awareness. Notable activities include writing letters to their future selves and reflecting on their five-year-old selves, encouraging students to connect with creativity and self-compassion.
Meditation and mindfulness training
This year, we hosted four meditation and mindfulness sessions, facilitated by LifeFlow. These sessions introduced students to practical mindfulness techniques, helping them manage stress and anxiety. With regular attendance and positive feedback, students have embraced mindfulness as a valuable tool for both academic and personal life.
Supporting mental health awareness
Mental health has been a key focus throughout the year, highlighted by educational social media posts during Mental Health Awareness Month. Through weekly posts on the College’s internal social media, we explored common mental health disorders, their symptoms, and available treatments, providing our community with essential information. By emphasizing our strong wellbeing culture, we have worked to normalize conversations around mental health, helping students feel comfortable in seeking support when needed.
Men’s mental health BBQ
This year, we again held a Men’s Mental Health BBQ, which featured an ice bucket challenge to raise funds for the Black Dog Institute for the first time. The event was a great success, with an excellent turnout from our Collegians and spirited participation by our Dean, Stuart Meldrum. The enthusiasm and engagement highlighted our students’ commitment to supporting men’s mental health.
Inclusive wellbeing culture
A significant part of our wellbeing culture is our commitment to fostering an inclusive community. This year, Wear It Purple Day was organized by our Equity Officers, Dino and Tiahna, to raise awareness and promote inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ students. Another successful event was R U OK? Day, where students engaged in cupcake decorating, sparking important conversations around mental health and support.
Indigenous engagement has also grown, with our Indigenous Student Advisors, Annie and Drew, organising two significant events: a Closing the Gap afternoon tea in March and an afternoon tea for Reconciliation Week in May. These gatherings honour the importance of these milestones for our Indigenous students and the broader community. Additionally, we further strengthened our Indigenous support by introducing both a male and female Indigenous Student Advisor, ensuring cultural sensitivity and a safe environment for our Indigenous students.
Community engagement and volunteering
Our Charitable Committee made a remarkable impact this year, raising funds for multiple causes, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Jodi Lee Foundation, Beyond Blue, and Food on the Table. Through volunteer efforts at Ronald McDonald House, Food on the Table, and the Mary Magdalene Centre, students connected wellbeing with community service. Notable events included an origami folding session to raise awareness about loneliness, and the Charitable Café, which raised over $1200 for mental health and food security initiatives. The Committee’s contributions exemplify the College’s commitment to social responsibility and supporting diverse community needs.
Physical and outdoor wellbeing
Physical wellbeing has also been a central theme, with students participating in Salty Sips, a weekly yoga and cold-water swimming event at the local beach, and regular Parkrun meetups. These activities promote both physical fitness and mental clarity, reminding students of the importance of movement and time outdoors.
In May, around 100 students took part in the Wings for Life run, a global event raising funds for spinal cord injury research. This fantastic turnout demonstrated our students’ commitment to physical wellbeing while supporting a meaningful cause. Another highlight was the Wellbeing Challenge during Welcome Back Week, with activities like mindful eating and slacklining to build resilience and highlight the importance of diverse skills in wellbeing.
Looking ahead
As we reflect on the achievements of this year, it is clear that wellbeing at St Mark’s is not a singular effort but a collective endeavour. Whether through meditation sessions, leadership training, or acts of kindness and service, our students have embraced respect, inclusion, and self-care. We are proud of the strong wellbeing culture we have built and look forward to continuing to grow and support every student on their journey at St Mark’s.
Together, we thrive.
