Primary News

The Simple Power of asking "Are You Okay?"

In our busy world of school deadlines, work pressures, and digital distractions, it's easy to miss the quiet signs that someone around us might be struggling. Yet sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause and ask a simple question: "Are you okay?"

Behind every smile in the playground or at the dinner table, there might be someone carrying a heavy load. Students face academic pressures, friendship challenges, and the complex journey of growing up. Parents juggle countless responsibilities while trying to be strong for their families. When we take a moment to genuinely check in with others, we create space for connection and support that can make all the difference.

Research consistently shows that feeling heard and supported significantly improves mental health and resilience. When someone knows that others care enough to notice and ask, it breaks down the isolation that often accompanies difficult times. For young people especially, knowing that trusted adults are paying attention can be a lifeline during challenging periods.

It is important to emphasise that checking in isn't about having all the answers or fixing everything. It's about showing up with genuine care and attention. 

• Notice when a friend seems quieter than usual or has changed their behavior
• Send a simple text: "Thinking of you - how are you really doing?"
• Invite someone to join you for lunch or a walk
• Look beyond the surface when someone says "I'm fine"
• Follow up if someone seems to be going through a tough time
• Listen without immediately trying to solve problems

SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY

As a College we have always been a strong supporter of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY and tomorrow is no different.   The phrase "speak up, stay chatty" reminds us that maintaining open communication is crucial for building supportive communities. When we normalise talking about challenges and feelings, we create environments where people feel safe to reach out when they need help.

Tomorrow all students from ELC - Year 6 are encouraged to wear any type of short (it does not have to be a school short) with their PE gear on top and bring a gold coin donation which will go directly to the charity.  The idea in regard to the wearing of shorts tomorrow comes from 

..”understanding that talking about mental health can sometimes be uncomfortable and so can wearing shorts... So, on the shortest day of the year we come together to brave the cold and brave the conversation…..” 

- Mitch McPherson, Founder of SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY.

Social Media 

A reminder to all parents that social media apps all have age limit restrictions, the most popular apps requiring users to be a minimum of 13 years of age.

This will be further reinforced in December 2025 when an age restriction will come into effect as part of the Online Safety Act. This will prevent children under 16 years from having social media accounts on their service. This requirement is one part of the broader strategy to create safer digital spaces for everyone.

For further information, visit the eSafety Commissioner here.

Code Camp - Term 3

Information about the new term of Code Camp starting on Tuesday 29 July has gone home to all parents with daughters in Years 3 - 6. It can also be viewed on Seesaw. 

If you are interested I encourage you to go to the website and explore what they offer.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions. 

Learning Conversations - Term 2

Learning Conversations start next week (Tuesday and Thursday) and there is an expectation that all parents please attend.  Information was emailed to all families, complete with booking links, two weeks ago. 

A reminder that students in Year 5 and 6 are also required at these evenings. 

For this term only, due to the College Musical being performed at the same time, all learning conversations will be held in Providence House in the Year 6 classrooms. 

For those attending Year 3 and 4 and have appointment prior to 3:30pm they will be held in the O’Brien Resource Centre (College Library).