Wellbeing News
The students in year 11 are nearing the end of their “PUSH -UP CHALLENGE”. Their enthusiasm is still positive, and the daily tally is continuing to climb as they race towards the completion date; with their eye on the prize of being awarded the homeroom with the highest tally. As an entire year group, they have achieved a phenomenal score of over 12,000 push ups, push outs, sit ups, lunges or similar. The race between the 4 homerooms is healthy and this certainly keeps the motivation at a very high level with only 70 points separating the 2 highest homerooms. The challenge will continue until Thursday 26th June.
As an added layer of encouragement some of the team from headspace Griffith joined us on Wednesday morning to take part in the morning challenge and give a brief overview of their role within community. It was especially exciting to see the return of one of our former MCC students Thomas Terrazas be part of the visiting team from headspace.
Thomas is working as a psychologist in the Griffith office and providing clinical support to our local youth. The Year 11 Wellbeing Team had nominated headspace Griffith to be the recipient of any sponsorship that the team are awarded therefore ensuring funds stay local and are used for the benefit of local youth. It was great to have the team involved and their words of encouragement will help keep the students motivated now that the end is in sight.
Each morning the students are provided with a fact and the daily challenge number. This has allowed students to increase their own awareness and knowledge regarding selfcare and mental health and ensure that they have strategies and access to supports if they, or others may need the information at any time. There are many supports and services available not only within our school, but also locally and nationally. Students are aware that these can be access either face to face, online or via chat.
One of the challenges this week was very relevant given all that is happening in the world and locally of late. The fact was based around the importance of kindness.
DAY 16: KINDNESS
“Today’s target is 170 push-ups because doing at least one act of kindness every day for 7 days in a row may boost our happiness.
Being kind - to others, to ourselves, and even just noticing kindness around us - can lift our mood and boost happiness. The more kindness we spread, the greater the benefits!
One study suggests that doing at least one act of kindness every day for a week may boost happiness.
Why is kindness so powerful? Acts of kindness create connection, strengthen friendships, and help fight loneliness. Even small gestures - like checking in on a friend, holding the door for a stranger, or surprising someone with coffee - can make a big impact.
Science backs it up: kindness lowers stress hormones and increases empathy, which helps us feel more positive about life. And it’s not just about others - self-kindness is just as important. Allowing yourself compassion after a mistake, taking a mental health break, or simply resting when needed can improve self-esteem and resilience.
How to sprinkle more kindness into your day:
💐Compliment someone
🤝Check-in on a friend
🤗Volunteer or share a skill
🧑🍳Cook for a loved one
❤️Donate blood
🫶Be kind to yourself – take that well-earned break!
A little kindness goes a long way. Start small and watch the ripple effect! 💙”
Source:
Lee Rowland & Oliver Scott Curry (2019) A range of kindness activities boost happiness, The Journal of Social Psychology, 159:3, 340-343. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29702043/
The final tally will be included in the next newsletter as well as the announcement of the winning homeroom. Thankyou to the students, their pastoral leader and especially their homeroom teachers for being involved in the challenge.
The team would like to thank those who have provided sponsorship and would welcome any additional funds up until 26/6.
https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraiser/MCCYr11WellbeingTeam2025
This week from Sunday 15 June to Saturday 21 June is Refugee Week. This national, annual acknowledgement week is designed to create greater awareness of the many issues faced by refugees and acknowledge the contribution they make to the Australian community.
The library staff had created a display and have a wide range of stories available for students and staff to access. Their stories are inspirational and although at times very sad but when we reflect on the journey of these people with diverse circumstances and experiences we can truly appreciate and be grateful that we live in Australia.
One of the most positive outcomes from such acknowledgement weeks are conversations that reduce the stigma and bust some of the negative myths associated with the topic. This is particularly true when we often hear stereotypical opinions and misconceptions regarding refugees. The essence of the human spirit is to feel that we belong, are valued and part of a community. It is no coincidence than that the UN Declaration on Human Rights has similarities with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The basic requirements to live life well which is the basis of positive wellbeing.
“Becoming a refugee is never a choice. But how we respond is.
So let us choose solidarity. Let us choose courage. Let us choose humanity.”
(António Guterres)
Sue Hone
(Student Wellbeing Support Worker)