Wellbeing News
Last week there was a definite feeling of excitement in the air as we got closer to our MCC show case spectacular “Cabaret”. Students and staff from many KLAs, along with our support staff had worked tirelessly and for those who attended it was a truly first-class event. I particularly love hearing stories from students who were involved in some way and witness their sense of pride and achievement from being involved in some capacity. The benefits to their self esteem and sense of belonging are huge. Not all students enjoy the academic or sporting aspect of school and their true love is in the creative arts or hospitality fields, so it certainly is wonderful to see them grow as individuals and have their moment of triumph.
Another highlight of last week was the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by students and staff as they embraced our annual “Do it for Dolly Day” activities. This year our focus was on creating awareness and starting important conversations regarding bullying and the importance of being an upstander as opposed to being a bystander. We explored different ways we could provide support as well as identified the numerous supports available not only at school, but also within community or online. During lunchtime people were invited to have one nail painted in the signature colour blue to represent the 1 in 5 people who will be bullied in their lifetime.
Studies have shown that having conversations about bullying helps save lives by breaking the silence, reducing isolation, and enabling early intervention. This ultimately reduces the risks of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. Open conversations empower victims to seek help, equips bystanders to become defenders, and builds a supportive, kinder environment that reduces the psychological harm caused by abuse.
The MCC Yr 11 Wellbeing Team have now turned their focus to the 2026 “Push Up Challenge” activity which will be held across homerooms within their year group. The challenge is a national mental health initiative where, as a collective homeroom, students would complete 3,307 push-ups in 24 days, from 3-26 June. This number represents the number of lives lost to suicide in Australia in 2024 (the most recent available data). The students can substitute push-ups with alternatives, like sit-ups, squats - anything goes. It is an inclusive, all ability activity. The number completed is a collaborative total for each homeroom not an expectation for each individual student. The activity is LOTS of fun, and a great team bonding experience PLUS has the bonus of improving fitness and releasing some exercise stimulated happiness hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. What a great way to start the day!
There is however a more informative side to the activity……. each morning of the challenge students receive a different push-up target which corresponds to an important mental health fact for the day. There are interesting facts, ideas for supporting wellbeing and general information regarding positive mental health. The purpose of these facts is to improve mental health awareness, start conversations and help reduce the stigma around mental illness.
The activity is not a fundraiser as such, BUT if anyone wishes to sponsor us, they can do so directly on the app. We have nominated headspace Griffith as our recipient. This organisation is in Griffith and has worked in collaboration with us on many occasions and are leaders in the field of adolescent mental health. We will have more details in the next edition of the newsletter and would welcome words of encouragement as we start the challenge.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a quote by the infamous Dr Suess to reflect upon; "Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!" Let us embrace our uniqueness, celebrate our authentic quirks, passions, fears, strengths and differences instead of trying to conform to societal pressures, allowing us to stand out and live a more fulfilling life.
Regards Sue Hone
(School Wellbeing Support Worker”