Principal's Message

                                                                     Mrs Josie Crisara

R U OK? Day

Thursday 10 September is  R U OKDay. The day encourages us all to connect with other people to address social isolation and promote community cohesiveness. This will be a focus for some activities during the week with students and staff. The premise of connecting with people is to focus on four areas:

  1. Ask
  2. Listen
  3. Encourage
  4. Check in

1. Ask R U OK?

  • Be relaxed, friendly and concerned in your approach.
  • Help them open up by asking questions like "How are you going?" or "What’s been happening?"
  • Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them, like "You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?"
  • If they don’t want to talk, don’t criticise them.
    • Tell them you are still concerned about changes in their behaviour and you care about them.
    • Avoid a confrontation.
    • You could say: “Please call me if you ever want to chat” or “Is there someone else you would rather talk to?”

2. Listen with an open mind

  • Take what they say seriously and don't interrupt or rush the conversation.
  • Don’t judge their experiences or reactions but acknowledge that things seem tough for them.
  • If they need time to think, sit patiently with the silence.
  • Encourage them to explain: "How are you feeling about that?" or "How long have you felt that way?"
  • Show that you have listened by repeating back what you have heard (in your own words) and ask if you have understood them properly.

3. Encourage action

  • Ask: “What have you done in the past to manage similar situations?”
  • Ask: “How would you like me to support you?"
  • Ask: “What’s something you can do for yourself right now? Something that’s enjoyable or relaxing?”
  • You could say: "When I was going through a difficult time, I tried this... You might find it useful too."
  • If they have been feeling really down for more than 2 weeks, encourage them to see a health professional. You could say, "It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you. I'm happy to assist you to find the right person to talk to.”
  • Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times.
  • Some conversations are too big for family and friends to take on alone. If someone’s been really low for more than 2 weeks - or is at risk - please contact a professional as soon as you can.

4. Check in

  • Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a couple of weeks. If they are really struggling, follow up with them sooner.
  • You could say: "I've been thinking of you and wanted to know how you have been going since we last chatted."
  • Ask if they have found a better way to manage the situation. If they haven't done anything, don't judge them. They might just need someone to listen to them for the moment.
  • Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference.

More information can be found at https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Scholarships

The College Foundation scholarship has been advertised to students in Year 11 through Assemblies and the bulletins. This scholarship is for a student going into Year 12 in 2021 and is sponsored by the College Board. The scholarship looks into four areas: academic studies, contribution to the life of the College, leadership, and service to the community. Students are required to complete an application form and attend an interview.

 

Applications for the Parents and Friends Arts Scholarship for a Year 11 student going into Year 12 as well as the Rachael Woodhams Music scholarship (for a student going into Year 8 or 9 in 2021) are also open with details in the student bulletin.