So much has been happening in the wellbeing space recently at MCC.

Recently, students from the 2026 MCC Year 11 Wellbeing Team hosted their much anticipated “Duck Fest”. The activity was a chance for students to socialize and play a range of traditional games on the oval, take part in “Just Dance” and purchase some homemade treats.

The day was a great success with over $400 being raised for Catholic Mission and there were sounds of joy and laughter long into the afternoon as well as the occasional squeaking duck. The rubber duck had been chosen by the team to symbolise resilience, which was their nominated theme for the year.

Prior to the lunchtime activities the WBT had also taken part in a well-being and resilience workshop with their peers. The objective was for the students to complete a range of activities which provided the opportunity to develop various coping strategies to minimize the impact of any stress or anxiety they may experience with upcoming preliminary exams and their transition to year 12.

We laughed, we tested and stimulated our reflexes, we got active, we sang, we had human touch, we learnt a new skill, we laughed some more, we practiced mindfulness, we learnt the correct method of belly breathing to reduce stress producing chemicals within our bodies and each and everything we did, stimulated happiness chemicals dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphins.

The students, both the WBT as well as the entire year 11 cohort, are to be congratulated for stepping outside of their comfort zone and engaging in all the activities. It was certainly a new and challenging experience for many however they demonstrated enthusiasm, maturity and a great sense of fun.

The following week as a school community we acknowledge R U OK Day? Although the second Thursday in September is the official day for connecting with others and starting a conversation, you can ask, “R U OK?” any day. You do not need to be an expert, just a caring friend and a good listener. If people are happy to talk to you about what is worrying them, just listen without judgement. If you have any doubts or they just seem not to be themselves, and you are concerned, encourage the person to speak with someone they trust or a support service, then check in again with them over the following days to see how they are doing.

Ask, listen without judgement, encourage action and check in even with the person who is smiling all the time. We never truly know what is happening with the people who cross our paths daily and a conversation could change a life.

All students completed activities within their homerooms and were reminded of the many supports available here at school, in the wider community and online.

As the term draws to an end I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to the 2026 Wellbeing Team. Their tenure will cease at the end of this term as they return to MCC following the holidays as our senior class. It has been a privilege to work with the team, and I hope they reflect upon their time fondly and are proud of their achievements. The purpose of a year 11 student led team is to focus on wellbeing in a manner that is relevant to young people whilst reducing the stigma associated with mental ill health at the same time educating others regarding accessing support; and the current team have achieved this, and so much more.

Just as the seasons inevitably change so does our WBT. As part of the R U OK Day activities during homeroom, our current year 10 students were given an insight into what the team does. The students were shown a short video created by our current team summarizing their motivation to join, their highlights, their challenges and their reflective thoughts. We are hopeful that during midterm 4, when Mrs. Star opens applications, we will receive lots of expressions of interest for our 2027 MCC Wellbeing Team.

The end of the term also saw the completion of our book drive. Thank you to everyone who donated; the response had been phenomenal, and delivery has been completed to charities and community groups. All recipients are extremely grateful for the generosity and kindness of so many. Whilst we can appreciate that reading strengthens your brain, expands your knowledge it also improves your overall well-being. Reading for leisure is great for your mind and body. Recent research shows that picking up a book just for fun helps you relax, think better, and feel less alone.

Recycling and reusing books are a great way to protect the planet and help our communities. When we give books a second life, we save natural resources and cut down on waste. Care, service and stewardship in action reflecting our Catholic ethos.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a very safe holiday particularly for those travelling. I hope that everyone enjoys some rest and relaxation during the holiday period.

Regards Sue Hone

(School Wellbeing Support Worker)

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