Wellbeing 

R U OK? Day 2026 – Ask R U OK? Any Day

On Thursday 10 September, we celebrated an incredibly important day on our wellbeing calendar, R U OK? Day.

This year's message, “Ask R U OK? Any Day,” reminds us that checking in with the people around us shouldn't be something we save for one day of the year. A meaningful conversation can happen at any time, and simply noticing that someone doesn't seem themselves, asking how they're going and genuinely listening can make a real difference.

Students enjoyed delicious food from our visiting food trucks, watched balloon animals come to life, cuddled some very cute baby animals, embraced their creative side by designing their own tote bags, and added a little sparkle at our glitter station.

Throughout the event, we were also treated to some incredible performances from our own students, who provided the soundtrack to the day and showcased some fantastic talent.

We were pleased to welcome EACH and Maroondah Youth Services, who joined us for the celebration, engaged students in activities and shared information about the support and services available to young people within our local community.

And then there was the dunk tank...Arguably the main event of the day!

A huge thank you to our brave staff members Mrs Hobbs, Miss Kite and Mr Dernikos, who put themselves in the firing line and took the plunge.

They were joined by our Year 12 champions Luke Rae, Hamish Love, Oliver Cowie and Nathan Bello-Flynn, who also volunteered to brave the dunk tank, much to the enjoyment of the crowd cheering them on! It was a wonderful day of laughter, connection and community, and a pretty great way to begin wrapping up Term 3.

Most importantly, amongst all the fun, we hope students take the message of R U OK? Day with them beyond the event itself. Ask R U OK? Any Day. Check in when you notice a friend seems quieter than usual. Ask again if their first “I'm fine” doesn't quite feel right. Make time to listen and remember that you don't need to have all the answers to be there for someone.

A Different Kind of Wellbeing Visitor 

During mentoring, our Year 12 students were lucky enough to receive a visit from therapy dogs Cookie and Phoebe from Therapy Animals Australia, bringing some much-needed cuddles and a chance to slow down during what can be an incredibly busy and demanding time of Year 12.

There is something particularly comforting about the companionship of an animal. Spending time with a pet can provide a sense of connection, encourage us to slow down and be present, and offer comfort during stressful or difficult moments. Pets can also give us routine, get us moving and provide company without expecting a conversation in return!

Cookie and Phoebe certainly brought plenty of smiles to our Year 12 classrooms, and we thank Therapy Animals Australia for sharing them with us.

RAISE Youth Mentoring Program-Graduation 

For the past five years, Norwood Secondary College has proudly partnered with RAISE Youth Mentoring, Australia’s leading one-to-one youth mentoring charity. RAISE connects trained and trusted volunteer mentors with young people aged 13–16, providing meaningful opportunities for connection, support, and personal growth during an important stage of adolescence.

Throughout Terms 2 and 3, our Year 8 students have participated in the RAISE program, spending time each Friday getting to know their mentors and building positive mentoring relationships. Through regular conversations and shared activities, students have had the opportunity to develop connections with their mentors and engage in a supportive space where they could be themselves, talk openly and build confidence.

The strength of these relationships was celebrated at the recent RAISE Graduation. Students and mentors reflected on their time together, shared their appreciation for one another and celebrated the connections they had developed throughout the program. Students also received certificates recognising their participation and commitment.

A huge thank you to the wonderful RAISE mentors for volunteering their time, energy, and support, and to our Year 8 students for embracing the program. We look forward to continuing our partnership with RAISE and providing this valuable mentoring opportunity to our students in the years ahead.

Is Term 3 the Wednesday of the School Year?

Hear us out...

By Wednesday, Monday feels like a distant memory. You've already put in a decent effort, you're starting to get tired, but the weekend still isn't quite close enough.

Term 3 can feel a little like that.

The excitement and fresh-start energy from the beginning of the year has worn off. We've made it through three full terms, assessment and school commitments have accumulated, motivation isn't necessarily where it was earlier in the year... and we still have another term to go.

If you're reaching the end of Term 3 feeling tired, flat or ready for a break, that makes sense.

But before we race towards the holidays, we'd like to challenge students to do something we don't always make enough time for:

Give yourself some credit.