Director of Student Wellbeing

R U OK? Day: Starting Meaningful Conversations

On Thursday, all students recognised R U OK? Day through discussions during Pastoral Care. These conversations set the tone for the day, encouraging our young men to check in with themselves and notice when someone around them might need support.

Students explored how to approach a friend who may be struggling and practised the four steps of an R U OK? conversation:

• Ask
• Listen
• Encourage action
• Check in

The focus was on giving students the confidence, language and practical strategies to have meaningful conversations with their mates — and to know what to do if someone says they are not OK.

R U OK? Day also reminds us that checking in should not be limited to one day. A genuine conversation, a shared coffee or simply asking someone how they really are can make a significant difference.

We encourage families to continue these conversations at home. By regularly making time to listen and connect, we can help our young people understand that they do not need to face difficult moments alone.

Online Safety Spotlight: Reddit

Reddit is a popular online platform made up of thousands of communities where users can discuss almost any topic, from sport, gaming and hobbies to news, entertainment and advice. While many of these communities can be informative and positive, the open nature of Reddit means young people can also encounter inappropriate or adult content, offensive language, misinformation and interactions with strangers.

For parents and carers, it is important to understand how Reddit works and to have regular conversations with young people about the communities they visit, the information they share and the content they may encounter. Encouraging young people to think critically about what they read online, protect their personal information and speak with a trusted adult when something does not feel right remains an important part of supporting safe online behaviour.

Our Online Safety Hub provides a detailed review of Reddit, including information about potential risks, privacy considerations and practical advice for families.

Read the full Reddit review here: Reddit: What Parents Need to Know

Supporting Our Young Men During a Busy Time

As we move through a particularly busy time of the school year, many of our students are balancing assessment deadlines, external commitments and the approach of examinations. For some young men, these additional demands can create feelings of stress, pressure or anxiety, even when they may not openly express that they are struggling.

Stress and anxiety can present differently in young people. Parents and carers may notice changes such as increased irritability or frustration, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, withdrawing from family or friends, reduced motivation, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, increased tiredness or physical complaints such as headaches or an upset stomach. At times, young men may also become unusually quiet or dismiss concerns by saying they are “fine”, despite their behaviour suggesting otherwise.

During these periods, maintaining open conversations at home can make an important difference. Encouraging your son to talk about what is coming up, helping him break larger tasks into manageable steps and reminding him that seeking support is a strength can help reduce some of the pressure he may be experiencing.

Please remember that the College is here to support your son. Your son’s Pastoral Care teacher should always be the first point of contact if you have concerns. They know your son well and can provide support directly or connect him and your family with the most appropriate staff or services within the College.

We encourage families to reach out early. Working together allows us to ensure our young men feel supported, connected and equipped to navigate the demands ahead.