Big Life Program

Mental Health Week

Term 4 has been no time to rest on our laurels for the Big Life team! Week 1 has coincided again with National Mental Health Week. To encourage staff and students to engage in self care and help seeking behaviours, the Wellbeing Team have hosted lunchtime activities over the week.

Monday kicked off the week with an expo showcasing local support services that students (and staff) can access when their mental health is suffering. We were lucky to welcome Headspace, Bethany, Let’s Talk and the Victoria Police to engage with students.

Danielle Gladman from Big Life asked students to provide their “top tip” for mental health and students were rewarded with an icy pole for their engagement. Despite grey skies, these treats were very popular!

Melanie Schulz from Big Life hosted Yoga on Tuesday and during Wednesday lunchtime, Laura the school nurse, showed students how to make a mindfulness jar. Spending time focusing on a project like this is a great way to calm busy minds and be present in the moment.

Altitude Day

Week 2 was just as busy with the Year 8 Altitude Day. The Year 8 boys were excited to welcome the Man Cave back to host their day leading discussions around emotional intelligence and how to live Big Lives full of purpose. The Big Life team and the Year 8 teachers hosted the girls’ day and planned a day where staff and students could discuss some of the trickier parts of being a girl in a safe space. We were lucky to welcome Dion Goyen from Crossfit and Alicia Drew from AFL Western Victoria to demonstrate how women can succeed in traditional “male” sports and how they overcame any barriers on their journey. Some Art and Zumba finished the day with a jolt of joy!

To complement Altitude Day, the Man Cave delivered a parent & family seminar to over 60 attendees from across the Warrnambool community on Tuesday 15th October.

The presentation provided an overview of the current state of mental health among young men, and the challenges they face in today’s world. Attendees were given an insight into the purpose and content of the workshops that the year 8 boys have been participating in over the past three years. They were also provided with some practical strategies that families can use to encourage regular ‘check-ins’ and authentic conversation at home.