Director of Student Wellbeing

Speak Up! Stay ChatTY Shorts Day

On Friday 19 June, St Virgil’s College will be supporting Speak Up! Stay ChatTY’s Shorts Day, an important initiative that encourages conversations about mental health and reminds our young people of the importance of speaking up, checking in and seeking support when needed.

Shorts Day is about more than simply wearing shorts. It is a visible way of showing support for mental health awareness and helping to reduce the stigma that can sometimes prevent people from reaching out for help. 

The shorts are a simple but powerful symbol of the day. Wearing shorts in the middle of winter may feel uncomfortable, but this reflects the reality that speaking about mental health can also feel uncomfortable. By choosing to brave the cold, students are showing that they are also willing to brave important conversations, support one another and help reduce the stigma around mental health.

Students are invited to wear non-uniform shorts with their PE uniform on the day, with the more colourful options strongly encouraged. Students are asked to bring a small donation on the day or contribute by following our College QR code to support Speak Up! Stay ChatTY and the important work they do. These contributions help promote mental health awareness within our community.

Supporting Students Through a Busy Assessment Period

As we move towards the midpoint of the academic year, many students are managing the increasing demands of assessment tasks, assignment deadlines and exam preparation. This period of the term can feel particularly busy and, at times, overwhelming as students work to balance their academic responsibilities alongside co-curricular commitments, friendships and family life.

During this time, it is important that students continue to maintain healthy routines, including consistent sleep, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition and time away from screens and study. Encouraging young people to break tasks into manageable steps, seek support when needed and communicate openly about how they are coping can make a significant difference to their wellbeing and confidence.

Supporting Positive Social Media Use

Social media is a significant part of young people’s lives and, when used appropriately, can provide opportunities for connection, creativity and communication. However, we also recognise that social media can have a considerable impact on student wellbeing, friendships and the broader College community.

At times, issues that begin online can quickly carry into the school environment. Comments, group chats, images, rumours or exclusionary behaviour on social media can affect how students interact with one another during the school day. These situations can create tension between peers, impact a student’s sense of safety and belonging, and make it difficult for students to remain focused on their learning.

As a College, we continue to work with students to understand the importance of respectful communication, responsible online behaviour and the need to consider the impact of their words and actions. We regularly remind students that the values we expect within our classrooms, playgrounds and wider community also apply online. Kindness, integrity and respect should guide the way students engage with one another, whether this is face to face or through a digital platform.

We ask families to continue having regular conversations at home about social media use, including what students are viewing, sharing and contributing to online. It is also important that parents and carers are aware of the platforms their child is using, the group chats they are involved in and the impact that online interactions can have on others.