Wellbeing News

Welcome to Term 4. It is very hard to believe that we are already heading toward the end of October. 

This month is a significant month for all things wellbeing and positive mental health. Acknowledged and celebrated universally around the globe October is a time where we are reminded of the importance of looking after our mental health and that it is equally as important as our physical health. Sometimes in our busy lives we get so caught up in everyday activities that we neglect two very important aspects that need to be maintained if we are going to experience overall good health and be the best possible version of ourselves. We not only need to evaluate our mental health but also our spiritually and connectiveness to the world around us. 

Spirituality does not specifically have to be linked to faith, prayer or religion however is a broad term that generally relates to a person's sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to something larger than themselves, often through a deep-seated belief system. Spiritually reflects the essence of who we are as an individual or our soul.

Whilst we generally associate spirituality with religious faith other examples include practices like meditation, gratitude, creative activities such as art or music, and experiences in nature like walking at sunrise. Other examples are nurturing values like compassion, kindness and service to others and forgiveness, questioning the meaning of life, and feeling a sense of awe and interconnectedness with nature.

So, before this month is over, take the time to evaluate how is your mental health and what are you currently doing to support your wellbeing and more importantly; what can you do to increase your spirituality therefore putting some “selfcare” into action to improve your overall physical and mental health.

Although October may nearly be over there is nothing to prevent us from still rising to the challenge of focusing on some positive selfcare or making connections with the community around us during the next month. Ultimately it does not matter when we make the effort but what is important is that we are taking the time to put in the effort to complete the activity and improve our overall wellbeing and physical health. 

In the next edition of the school newsletter, we will include updates regarding some additional completed activities at school promoting and acknowledging “Mental Health Month”. School holidays and the current HSC exams impact on our ability to conduct some activities but we adjust and adapt accordingly.

Recently I had the opportunity to accompany some year 10 students to an experiential program proven to increase student leadership and wellbeing. Students were invited to take part in the event with the goal of developing, planning and implementing a project of their choice in their community, albeit school, local, national or global during the next 12 months. Participants will be invited to review and report on the project this time next year.

As expected, the students, Sophie, Zeinab, Annabelle, Emma, Taylor and Eloise were enthusiastic and model representatives of both their families and the school and have provided this insight of the day.     

“Last week, we had the amazing opportunity to attend the Enable Empower: Turning Theory into Action Workshop, organised by Soroptimist Griffith, in partnership with Burn Bright. This program brought together several schools in the Griffith area to develop leadership skills, teamwork and personal growth. 

During the program we participated in activities such as, team coordination challenges, icebreakers and confidence building games. These exercises taught us the importance of communication, collaboration and problem solving.

One of the main highlights for us was getting to meet so many new people who had similar visions to us. It really showed us how when you work together there are so many things you can achieve.

Attending the program was an extremely fun and inspiring experience. We think all students should participate in opportunities like these.”

In our next newsletter we will be able to share more details regarding the project that the students are planning and look forward to following their adventure.

Experiences such as this are a wonderful opportunity for students to not only increase their skills and knowledge but network within their local community. We are extremely grateful for Soroptimist International for sponsoring the event and inviting our students to participate.

Until next time, remember that it is the little things, and the simple things in life that often go unnoticed however bring the greatest joy and make us smile.

Regards Sue Hone 

(School Wellbeing Support Worker)