Student Wellbeing
R U OK
R U OK day is a day to ask people with depression if they are okay. This day was
founded by a man called Gavin Larkin when his father took his own life in 1996. Gavin
was concerned about his mental health after that and he completed a course at
Landmark Worldwide. From this course, he chose to complete a project about suicide
prevention to honour his father, to create a national day about contacting people who
might be having a difficult time. This resulted in the eventual co-creation with Janina
Nearn of R U Ok? in 2009.
On R U OK day in Tarneit P-9 College, we learn about mental health and do lots of
mental health related activities. We also focus on emotional and social health when we
learn about R U OK Day. Our teachers explain to us about why this day is so important
and we watch a video made by the R U OK Foundation. Other schools may have
different ways to learn about R U OK Day. Also, unlike other days, R U OK Day is not a
day to celebrate. It is more to ask and make time to know about other people’s mental
or social health.
By Daksh 5H
On Tuesday 10 September our College celebrated R U OK? Day. There were many fun activities to do around the College at recess and lunch time.
One of the actives at lunchtime was making fun glitter shakers. It was held outside on the platforms and we got mini jars to make it in. There were many different colours of glitter and a lot of people participated. If you didn’t get the chance to make one you would get a stress ball!
There was also a basketball game held at lunch. Students got to play a basketball game against some teachers. It was held in the basketball courts behind the C building. The students were too good for the teachers on the day.
In 6BS we got to go make promise posters about R U OK? Day. We wrote promises for our friends and for ourselves like: I promise to never leave my friends back. We also got to go over to our buddies from 3CH and we drew out hands and wrote people we trust on the fingers!
By Sayeh and Andrew 6G