Celebrating the Friendships That Shape a Caring School Community

At St. Michael’s College, we recognise that friendships are at the heart of a thriving and supportive school community. Throughout the year, students have been engaging in the URSTRONG Friendology program as part of their Pastoral Care lessons, developing essential social-emotional skills and a shared language to help them build strong, respectful, and meaningful friendships - essential life skills that are of benefit now and in the future.

To celebrate this important learning journey, we were proud to host our annual Festival of Friendship, in recognition of the International Day of Friendship. This special event marked the culmination of a year focused on kindness, empathy, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence.

Through the Friendology curriculum, students have learned how to navigate the ups and downs of friendships, develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and contribute to college culture of care and connection with their peers, classmates, friends, and even adults.

Aligned with the values of St. Michael’s College, the language and lessons of the program extend beyond the classroom, fostering strong links between school and home. By equipping students with the tools to make and maintain healthy relationships, we endeavour to strengthen the circle of care that surrounds each child.

The day saw teachers and students enjoy activities from the Festival of Friendship activity wall from craft activities to tug o' war, to the inflatable ninja course to games of This or That?, and much more.  

As we celebrate our Festival of Friendship, we honour the role of friendship in helping our students grow, thrive, and flourish - both in school and in life beyond.