Wellbeing

A Special Report: R U OK?Day

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.

R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"

Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

https://buff.ly/5zKBv4D

As part of our school’s recognition of R U OK? Day, our Year 12 students took on an important leadership role by visiting classes across Foundations to help our younger students understand what R U OK? Day is all about.

Throughout the sessions, Year 12 students spoke with students in an age-appropriate and engaging way about the importance of checking in with the people around us. They explained that sometimes a friend, classmate or family member may be feeling worried, sad, lonely or upset, even if we cannot always tell by looking at them.

Students were encouraged to understand that asking a simple question such as “Are you OK?”, “Do you want to talk?” or “Is there anything I can do to help?” can make an important difference.

The Year 12 leaders also discussed what it means to be a good listener. Our younger students learnt that they do not need to have all the answers or solve someone else's problems. Sometimes one of the most helpful things they can do is listen, show kindness and let the person know that they care.

An important focus of the sessions was also helping students recognise when they should seek support from a trusted adult. Students discussed the adults in their lives they can turn to when they are feeling worried, upset or overwhelmed, including parents and carers, teachers, wellbeing staff and other trusted adults.

They were reminded that asking for help is a positive and courageous action. If a friend tells them something that makes them concerned about their safety or wellbeing, students were encouraged not to carry that worry by themselves but to speak with a trusted adult who can provide further support.

Through discussions, examples and simple scenarios, students explored practical ways they can support themselves and others. These included noticing when someone seems different from usual, inviting someone to join in, asking how they are feeling, listening without judging and finding an adult when a problem feels too big to manage alone.

Having our Year 12 students lead these conversations also provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections across our K–12 community. Our youngest students were able to learn from senior students whom they can look up to, while our Year 12 students demonstrated the responsibility, empathy and service that come with being leaders within our school.

While R U OK? Day provides an important reminder to check in with others, the message shared with students was simple: we should not wait for one particular day to ask someone how they are going.

By continuing to build a culture in which students notice one another, listen carefully, show kindness and confidently seek help from trusted adults, we help create a school community where every student knows that they are supported and that conversations about wellbeing matter.

Ask. Listen. Support. Connect.

Sometimes one conversation can make a significant difference.

R U OK? Day was a wonderful opportunity for students across St Luke’s to come together, connect and enjoy a range of activities during recess and lunch.

It was fantastic to see students from different year groups participating side by side, sharing a laugh, trying something new and building positive relationships across the school community. These moments of connection are an important reminder that supporting wellbeing can often begin with something as simple as spending time together, starting a conversation and checking in with those around us.

A special thank you to our teachers for generously giving their time to run activities throughout the day.

R U OK? Day reminds us that while one day can help raise awareness, checking in with others should be something we continue to do throughout the year. A simple conversation can make a meaningful difference.