Matthew Bartolo

PSD & Guidance Teacher

San Andrea Senior School

This year San Andrea’s Personal and Social Development (PSD) campaign tackled the problem of addiction. The students were given talks by professionals from Caritas, Sedqa and the Malta Medical Students’ Association. During these workshops, the students also had the opportunity to meet a person who is currently rehabilitating at San Blas who explained what he is going through and how difficult it is to quit once you are dependent on substances.

After these talks, during PSHE lessons, the students organised workshops to discuss what they had learnt. The older grades also had a non-alcoholic party at school on a Saturday night. The themed party resembled a normal party with no alcohol. The music started with DJ Triscal and was followed by DJ Ruby, who was the main attraction on the night. All the students were asked to wear a mask in order to complement the theme and decor of the venue. The venue was transformed into a Masquerade club, with professional dancers entertaining all those present. The majority of the students in grades 11 and 12 attended the party with much enthusiasm and energy. The most important lesson that was learnt by the students was that one could still dance into the late hours of the night and have a good time without drinking alcohol.