Macquarie Anglican Grammar School

Head of Wellbeing – Mr Wade Richardson

Helping your Child find Meaning

Throughout Term 1, we have been exploring the PERMA+ theory of wellbeing in staff meetings, Tutor Group, Assembly and the Newsletter.
This week, we will be discussing the element of 'Meaning'. As a reminder, the PERMA theory was developed by positive psychologist Martin Seligman, and it focuses on the five essential elements of wellbeing that are necessary for leading a fulfilling life.

'Meaning', the fourth element of PERMA, refers to the feeling of belonging to something greater than oneself. It involves finding purpose and significance in life beyond our individual needs and desires. As students, it is important to find meaning in our studies, relationships and Co-curricular activities. Let's explore some ways we can cultivate meaning in our lives:

• Connect with others: building relationships with others is an essential component of finding meaning. Connecting with people who share similar interests, goals or beliefs can help us feel a sense of belonging and purpose. At Macquarie, students regularly connect with others in Tutor Groups, classes, Year Meetings, Houses and in Co-curricular groups and teams.
• Pursue your passions: engage in activities that you enjoy and are passionate about. Whether it's playing a musical instrument, writing or participating in sports, pursuing your passions can provide a sense of purpose and meaning. At Macquarie we have students pursuing their passions in a variety of fields including debating, music lessons, Junior and Senior School choirs, chess teams, the Livestock Show Team, Thursday morning conditioning training for cross country and athletics, and Saturday netball just to name a few.
• Give back to the community: volunteering and helping others can be incredibly rewarding and provide a sense of purpose beyond our own needs. Find ways to give back to your community, whether it's through a school club, local charity, or other organisation. At Macquarie, we value the role of service leadership. We provide opportunities to live this in various charitable initiatives such as Operation Christmas Child, our Stage 5 Service program and our Year 12 charity focus.
• Reflect on your values: take time to reflect on your personal values and what matters most to you. Living in accordance with your values can provide a sense of purpose and meaning. At Macquarie, we encourage the development of Christian values and use our Christian Development program from Kindergarten to Year 10, Years 11 and 12 Studies of Religion courses and Chapels to help students formulate their own values in order to become resilient young people who make a difference in the world.

As we continue on our individual journey towards wellbeing, let us remember the importance of finding meaning in our lives. By cultivating a sense of purpose and belonging, we can lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives.