Hi Everyone,

Wow, ACPS became a ‘sea’ of yellow on RU OK? DAY this week. Thank you to all the families and staff for supporting this important day, RU OK? DAY! Lots of fun activities and excitement could be found in the classrooms as the students embraced RU OK? Day. The year 3/4 classes also enjoyed a visit from Don and his assistance dog, Zeus, who look after each other and make sure they are OK. Also, thanks to Junior School Council for being happy to support Kids Helpline through the fundraiser on the day – AN EXCELLENT SERVICE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 5 TO 25 when they are NOT OK.

I believe that we are here for relationship, to love and be loved, to care for and to be cared for, to reach out and to be reached out to! Sadly in our society there is so much that can isolate us, that can cause us stress, and loneliness is a constant companion for many.

So often when talking with children and young people I hear of them in their rooms on social media or gaming. I was a shy child and it would have been so ‘easy’ for me to ‘isolate’ myself if I was growing up today.

Also our lives can become so busy today. Do we ‘see’ that person who needs our listening ear, our support.? There are so many cultures who can teach us about ‘being there’ as a whole community.

RU OK? DAY is great for reminding us to ask ‘RU OK? But it is not just about one day a year. It reminds us to look out for each other EVERY DAY – that family member, that friend, that neighbour, our workmates, that cashier, that elderly neighbour, that single parent, that lonely person sitting in the shopping centre, that person who is struggling with their mental health, etc…

Just ‘BE THERE’ and follow the RU OK ? mantra:

So let’s remind ourselves and our children and young people to ask RU OK? EACH AND EVERY DAY.

By the way, RU OK? How can I support you and your child? See below for services that can also support you if you are NOT OK!

Take Care!

Robyn Mulholland (School Chaplain)

robyn.mulholland@education.vic.gov.au

Don't go it alone. Please reach out for help.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au

Beyond Blue's coronavirus support service: 1800 512 348 or coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Headspace: 1800 650 890 or headspace.org.au

Grade 3/4