Student Wellbeing

Harmony Week

Harmony Week is a time to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and promote inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. This year, our student leaders led a wonderful initiative by creating a "Harmony Tree" in the library, where students and staff wrote about their family heritage, fostering connections and appreciation of our diverse backgrounds. At Bluff Road Campus, a special music performance showcased cultural expression through song, and across the school, students and staff embraced the spirit of the week by wearing a touch of orange—the color symbolizing harmony and unity.

Guide to Self-Care, Health Habits, and Staying Safe Online

We’re diving into some essential topics that will help you live your best life—mindfully, healthily, and securely. Let’s focus on how small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Plus, we’ll share some tips on staying safe online in today’s digital world, including how to protect yourself from bullies on social media.

1. Prioritize Your Self-Care Routine 🧘‍♀️

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and face masks (though they’re nice, too!). It’s about nourishing your mind, body, and soul. Here are some ways to make self-care a priority in your daily routine:

• Morning Mindfulness: Start your day with 5-10 minutes of mindfulness or meditation. It sets a positive tone and helps reduce stress.  (a great resource is Smiling Mind)
• Stay Active: Whether it’s a walk, yoga, or hitting the gym, regular physical activity has profound benefits for both your body and mental health. Orygen-YP-Getting-active-fact-sheet-2022.pdf.aspx
• Rest & Recharge: Sleep is vital. Aim for 8-10 hours of quality sleep for teenagers and 8-10 hours of sleep for adults to allow your body to repair and rejuvenate. Orygen-YP-Sleep-Fact-sheet-2022.pdf.aspx
• Nourish Your Body: Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains supports both your physical and mental well-being.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a necessary practice for a happy, healthy life.

2. Cultivate Healthy Habits for a Balanced Life 🌱

A healthy lifestyle is about creating sustainable habits, not drastic changes. Here are some simple, healthy habits you can incorporate into your day:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and improve energy levels.
• Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to acknowledge something you’re grateful for. It can improve your outlook on life.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when you need to. Setting personal boundaries can reduce stress and help you manage your time better.
• Move Your Body: Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week—whether it’s stretching, walking, or a workout class.

Small, consistent actions lead to a big impact over time!

3. Stay Safe Online: Protect Yourself on Social Media 🔒

In today’s digital world, it’s crucial to stay safe while engaging on social media. Here are some tips for keeping your information secure and protecting your privacy:

• Use Strong Passwords: Make sure your passwords are unique and complex. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, requiring both your password and a second piece of information (like a code sent to your phone).
• Be Careful with What You Share: Limit the personal information you share online. Avoid oversharing on public profiles, especially sensitive data like your location.
• Check Your Privacy Settings: Regularly review and update your privacy settings on social media platforms to ensure you’re comfortable with who can see your posts and personal info.
• Recognize Scams: Be wary of unsolicited messages or friend requests, especially from strangers. Don’t click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.

Remember, your online safety is just as important as your offline well-being!

4. How to Protect Yourself from Bullies on Social Media 🚫

Unfortunately, bullying can occur online just as it does in real life. Here’s how to protect yourself from bullies and handle harassment on social media:

• Set Privacy Controls: Make sure your profiles are private and that only trusted individuals can see your posts. Adjust your privacy settings on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Block and Report: If someone is harassing you, don’t hesitate to block them and report their behaviour to the platform. Most social media sites have easy-to-use tools for reporting abuse.
• Don’t Engage with Bullies: Engaging with bullies can escalate the situation. It’s often best to ignore them, delete their messages, and report them.
• Take Screenshots: If you’re being bullied or harassed, take screenshots of the conversations or posts as evidence. These can be helpful if you need to report the bully or take further action.
• Limit Contact: Be mindful of who you add or follow. Don’t accept friend requests or messages from strangers, and be selective about who has access to your social media profiles.
• Reach Out for Support: If the bullying becomes overwhelming, talk to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or professional. Many platforms also provide mental health resources for those experiencing online harassment.

No one should have to deal with online bullying, and you deserve a safe space to express yourself freely.

In Conclusion:

Taking care of yourself isn’t just about eating right and exercising—it’s about protecting your mental health, building positive habits, and ensuring your online safety. Start with one small change today and work towards a healthier, happier, and safer life.

Stay well and stay safe!