College Counsellor

RUOK Day Connects and Inspires in Secondary School

What if in the time is takes to have a cuppa, you could start a conversation that could change a life? 

This is the message that RUOK day was founded on – that we can support other people by checking in with them and asking R U OK?

Last Thursday, the 11th of September, Wagga Wagga Christian College joined the many schools and countless people and organisations across the nation share the message of RUOK day and checking in on one another. If you looked across the Secondary School yard last week, you would have seen splashes of yellow, most notably yellow ribbon adorning ponytails, wrists and ankles.

This year, Student  Wellbeing Leaders Bridie O’Brien and Issy Armstrong (Year 11) and their team took the initiative in planning the event. They encouraged splashes of yellow, provided yellow ribbon, provided posters around the College, and supported the planning of an activity during homecare for all students.

This included a video with Adelaide 36ers player and R U OK? Ambassador Isaac Humphries chatting with Secondary School students about how to spot the signs that a friend is struggling and how to ask R U OK? your way. 

What followed was some great discussions during Homecare across Years 7-12 looking at these questions:

• What are some signs that a friend might be struggling?
• How would you check in on a friend you were concerned about?
• How would you start the conversation and ask R U OK? What words would you use?
• What’s your top tip for being a good friend?

R U OK? is all about encouraging people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times. Well done to Bride and Issy for their initiative and support of this event.

Geoff McLean

College Counsellor