Wellbeing

Wellbeing Day: A Celebration of Health, Learning, and Connection

Wellbeing Day was a standout event on our school calendar this term, highlighting the importance of health, self-care, and awareness in the lives of students. It provided a valuable opportunity for our school community to come together and learn about various aspects of health and wellbeing in an engaging and interactive environment.

This year, Wellbeing Day featured a range of activities and presentations tailored to different year groups, ensuring that every student had the chance to participate in meaningful and age-appropriate discussions. Among the highlights were the Life Education session for Year 10 students and a series of health talks for Year 12 students, both of which received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Year 8 Students Bond Over Bowling

Meanwhile, Year 8 students enjoyed a fun and relaxing bowling outing, which provided a great opportunity to bond with peers from different house groups. “It was a fun experience and gave us an opportunity to hang out with other house groups,” said one student. The outing also offered a break from the usual school routine. “It was relaxing and great to be able to be with our peers without being stressed out about assessments,” another student added.

The students also enjoyed watching their teachers try their hand at bowling, finding it amusing and surprising to see their competitive side. “It was funny watching the teachers try to bowl, but some of them surprised us,” a student shared with a smile.

Year 10 Explores Drugs and Alcohol Awareness

Year 10 students attended an eye-opening session by Life Education focused on drugs and alcohol awareness. The presentation was both engaging and informative, using humour and audience interaction to create a safe environment for discussing sensitive topics. One Year 10 student shared, “The presenter was engaging, using his humour and the crowd to discuss risk-taking behaviours. This created a safe environment to discuss various elements in relation to drug use amongst young people."

The session highlighted the dangers of drugs, particularly those found in vaping products. “The Life Education talk was a reminder of the danger of drugs, particularly those packed into vapes," another student said. "It was an engaging session, filled with interactive activities and statistics, that proved how little we truly know about illicit substances."

The presentation encouraged students to reflect on their understanding of drugs and alcohol, challenging misconceptions and equipping them with the knowledge to make safer choices.

Year 11 Learns About Road Safety in the Rescue Ed Course

Year 11 students participated in the Rescue Ed course, an impactful programme focused on road safety and responsible driving. Greg Craft, Station Officer at the Orange Fire Station, led the session, emphasising the importance of driving safely and following the law. The message resonated deeply with the students, many of whom are just beginning to drive on their L and P plates.

A video highlighted the importance of adapting to different driving conditions—whether it’s poor visibility, rain, or winding roads—and Greg discussed the serious responsibilities that come with driving, both for the driver and for others on the road.

After the talk, students moved outside to watch firefighters Genevive Goodwill, Dan Beacham, and Joe Williamson demonstrate the complex process of dismantling a car after an accident. The hands-on experience helped bring home the real-life consequences of distracted or reckless driving. One Year 11 student summed up the experience: “Overall, this course was a very valuable experience, teaching our year group about the importance of not getting distracted when driving, following the speed limit, and making smart choices when in the car.”

Year 12 Health Talks Address Real-Life Issues

Year 12 girls attended a series of health talks led by Dr Gabi Staniforth, who quickly became a favourite among the students for her relatable, down-to-earth approach. Gabi tackled topics that are often considered difficult to discuss, such as sexual health, contraception, and cosmetic procedures.

“Gabi was a relatable and funny speaker, who was engaging and informative about topics we are reluctant to speak to our parents about,” said one Year 12 student. “Through an approach that was simultaneously scientific and warm, she communicated common misconceptions about the Pill and Botox.”

Gabi’s ability to connect with the students on a personal level was particularly appreciated. As another student noted, “Gabi felt like a doctor and an older sister in one.” Her talk provided essential information, empowering students with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health.

A Day of Growth and Connection

Wellbeing Day offered a wide range of activities for all year levels, balancing serious discussions about health and safety with lighter, more fun moments. The day highlighted the importance of looking after our mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout the year, not just for a single day.

As one Year 8 student said, “We wish we could have days like this more often!” A big thank you to all of our staff, whose dedication in the lead-up and willingness to engage in activities with students were key to the success of Wellbeing Day.