On Thursday our College community saw a wonderful example of cross campus connection when two of our Year 12 Wellbeing Captains, Reinard Fourie and Herleen Thompson, visited the Early Learning Centre to run a special session with our four-year-old learners. The focus of the morning was emotional regulation, taught through Tedology — a playful, evidence informed framework developed to help young children understand and manage their feelings.

Tedology uses simple language, storytelling, and age appropriate activities to help children recognise emotions, name what they are experiencing, and learn strategies to calm their bodies and minds. The Year 12 students skilfully adapted these concepts for our youngest learners, guiding them through two activities that were both fun and developmentally meaningful.

The children listened with wide-eyed engagement as the Wellbeing Captains spoke about feelings and practised techniques such as “belly breathing” and “treasure hunt “inspired by Tedology’s core messages.

A highlight of the visit was the presence of Jimmy, the Penquite Campus therapy dog, who joined the session as a calm and very cute presence. Jimmy modelled the idea of emotional co‑regulation beautifully — showing the children how slowing down, breathing steadily, and feeling safe can help our bodies return to a settled state. The smiles, gentle pats, and questions that followed made it clear just how much the children valued his visit.

For our Year 12 students, this was more than a leadership activity — it was a chance to contribute to the wellbeing journey of the next generation of Scotch Oakburn learners. They demonstrated compassion, confidence, and a deep understanding of the importance of emotional literacy in early childhood.

For our Early Learners, the session created an engaging foundation for recognising and managing emotions, while also building a sense of belonging within the broader College community.

This initiative is a wonderful example of how our wellbeing framework is strengthened when students across all ages come together, learn from one another, and live out our College values in meaningful ways. We look forward to more opportunities like this throughout the year.

Kylie Wolstencroft
Director of Wellbeing – Penquite