R U OK? DAY & DR JUSTIN COULSON – A Powerful Day of Connection and Conversation

Last Thursday, our school community came together to recognise R U OK? Day with a series of lunchtime activities and impactful presentations that centred around mental health, wellbeing, and respectful relationships.

The lunchtime event was full of energy and fun, with the Ice Bucket Challenge drawing a large crowd. This was organised by Billy and Sam, and the challenge saw some of our brave staff and students step up to get soaked in the name of mental health awareness. A big thank you goes to Mrs Haeusler, Mr Anderson, Mrs Clark, and Paige for volunteering to take the plunge, it was a great moment that brought plenty of laughs and cheers.

We were also joined by Headspace and Youth Inc., who brought a range of engaging games and activities that encouraged connection and promoted wellbeing. Their presence added another level of support and fun to the event. Meanwhile, a sausage sizzle kept everyone well-fed, with all funds raised going towards mental health initiatives in our community. Thank you to all who donated and helped out!

Later in the day, we welcomed special guest Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading voices on parenting, education, and mental wellbeing. Dr Coulson delivered a series of powerful presentations for students, staff, and the wider community.

During Lessons 4 and 5, students in Years 9–12 attended sessions on Respectful Relationships, exploring the importance of empathy, critical thinking, leadership, and making value-driven decisions. Staff also had the opportunity to learn from Dr Coulson during a professional development session titled “Cultivating Resilience in the Classroom”. This session focused on practical, evidence-based strategies for building student resilience, fostering a growth mindset, and understanding the emotional needs of young people in today’s classroom. In the evening, parents, carers, and community members were invited to a free session on “Sex, Consent, and Staying Safe”, where Dr Coulson unpacked the complexities of raising teenagers in the digital age. The session provided compassionate, practical advice on how to navigate difficult but essential conversations around consent, relationships, media influence, and risk reduction.

Overall, the day was a meaningful reminder of the power of connection, the importance of asking “R U OK?”, and the value of open, respectful conversations in building a stronger, healthier school community. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the day such a success.

Let’s continue to check in, support one another, and keep the conversation going, because asking a simple question really can change a life.

SCHOOL TV SPECIAL REPORT: R U OK? DAY

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.

R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"

Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://smmc.vic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-r-u-ok-day

Mandy McCallum & Gemma Phelan

Directors of Wellbeing