The Wellbeing Report

It has been a busy and rewarding term for our Wellbeing Team, working alongside students through a range of whole-school events and initiatives. Multicultural Day and R U OK? Week were particular highlights, creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect, celebrate, support one another and strengthen their sense of belonging within our school community. 

We are incredibly grateful to our students, staff, families and community partners who continue to help build a school culture of belonging, inclusion and care. A special thank you to Ms Rahman, who stepped into the Head Teacher Wellbeing role while Miss Coluccio was relieving as Deputy Principal at the beginning of the term. Her care, commitment and support of our students, and wellbeing initiatives were greatly appreciated. 

Multicultural Day

Mount Annan High School came alive during Week 7 as students and staff joined together to celebrate our annual Multicultural Day. The atmosphere across the school was electric, with students proudly wearing traditional cultural attire and clothing representing their heritage. At break, the school was filled with colour, pride and excitement as students took part in our Cultural Parade and performances, proudly celebrating their heritage through traditional dress, music and culture. Students enthusiastically supported their peers, creating a wonderful sense of belonging and community. Henna, face painting, cultural activities and a BBQ added to the celebrations, bringing students and staff together to connect and celebrate the diversity of our school. 

A very special part of the day was our Multicultural Day Assembly. As students entered, Josh led a traditional smoking ceremony, followed by a moving tribute to respected local Indigenous community leader Uncle Ivan, who recently passed away. A candle was lit in his honour and the school observed a moment of silence. 

The assembly then came alive with vibrant student cultural performances. Many students had given up their own recess and lunch breaks to rehearse, and their commitment was evident in the incredible costumes, music and dancing. Just as special was the support from the audience, with students enthusiastically cheering on their peers and creating a wonderful sense of pride, inclusion and belonging. 

Multicultural Day is a highlight of our school calendar, celebrating the diversity, pride and sense of belonging within our Mount Annan High School community. A heartfelt thank you to our students, staff and community members who helped make the day such a vibrant, inclusive and memorable celebration. 

R U OK? Day

Mount Annan High School celebrated R U OK? Week during Week 8, culminating in R U OK? Day on Thursday 10 September. 

Throughout the week, students embraced opportunities to learn more about the importance of checking in with others, staying connected, and knowing how to support a friend who may be going through a difficult time. As part of our Stage 4 Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program, students participated in targeted lessons that explicitly explored how to recognise when a friend may need support, how to start a conversation and the importance of asking the simple question, “Are you OK?”  A question that can make a real difference in someone’s life. 

A range of activities were also held across the week to give students opportunities to connect with their peers in a relaxed and positive environment. These included outdoor skipping and games, friendship bracelet making, giant Jenga, and a collaborative chalk mural, where students shared messages of encouragement and support for each other. 

On Thursday 10th September, staff and students embraced R U OK? Day by adding a splash of yellow to their attire in support of the cause. We were also pleased to welcome Hamish and Sina from Headspace Oran Park, who spent time speaking with students about where and how they can access support, while encouraging conversations through thought-provoking and inspirational discussion questions.

R U OK? Week was a wonderful reminder that supporting wellbeing does not always require having all the answers. Sometimes, simply noticing, listening and asking someone if they are OK can be an important first step.  

We are proud to recognise John Bicknell (volunteer mentor), a valued mentor at Mount Annan High School, who was recently acknowledged with a Public Education Award for his outstanding service to students and the community. John, who is also a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), draws on his own experiences of adversity to support students through weekly mentoring, sharing messages of resilience, perseverance and hope. Following recent health challenges, we are delighted to welcome John back to MAHS and see him return to the mentoring work he is so passionate about. We congratulate John on this well-deserved recognition and thank him for his ongoing commitment to our students. 

"To be recognised as the 2026 Public School Parent and Volunteer of the year at the NSW Public Education Awards, is a mind-blowing experience. This is especially the case as I have been awarded for doing something I love doing, that being mentoring high school students. These students, as all teachers and administration staff will acknowledge, will be our doctors, nurses, tradies etcetera in the not-too-distant future; therefore we must teach them well." John Bickell 

Attendance

Regular attendance continues to be an important part of student learning, wellbeing and connection, within Mount Annan High School. At the beginning of the term, we were pleased to celebrate more than 200 students demonstrating strong attendance with a special BBQ for students achieving 90% attendance and above. 

Families may hear from Mount Annan High School throughout the term as we follow up unexplained absences. We greatly appreciate parents and carers keeping the school informed and providing a reason whenever their child is away. For extended or frequent absences, additional documentation may be required, such as a medical certificate or extended leave applications. Ongoing communication between families and our school helps us work together to support each student’s attendance, wellbeing, and learning. 

Thank you to our families and community for continuing to work in partnership with us to support regular attendance. Every day at school matters, each day provides another opportunity for our young people to learn, connect, feel supported and succeed. 

This term we farewell our wonderful social work students, Ash and Lydia, who have been completing their Master of Social Work placements through Western Sydney University. Throughout their time at Mount Annan High School, Ash and Lydia have made a valued contribution to our school community, particularly in supporting new students as they settle into life at MAHS. Their regular check-ins and genuine care have helped ensure students feel welcomed, connected and supported. They have also played an important role in supporting many of the wellbeing initiatives and activities taking place across the school. We thank Ash and Lydia for the warmth, care and commitment they have shown our students and wish them every success in their future careers in social work.

I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the students, teachers and the amazing Wellbeing Team for welcoming me into the school community and letting me learn alongside you. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in so many different parts of school life, from Breakfast Club to NAIDOC Week, Multicultural Day and R U OK? Week. I’m so grateful for all the conversations, laughs, lessons and connections I’ve shared along the way. Wishing all the students and staff at Mount Annan High School all the very best for the rest of the year! - Ashleigh van Niekerk

My placement at Mount Annan High School has been such a meaningful and enjoyable experience. From getting to know the students and staff to being involved in the wellbeing space, breakfast program and different school activities, I have really enjoyed feeling like part of the school community. I’m grateful for how welcoming and supportive everyone has been and for all the learning opportunities I’ve had along the way. I will definitely carry these experiences with me as I continue my journey into social work. - Lydia Kirui

Ms Coluccio

Head Teacher Wellbeing