From the Deputy Principal

Five Ways to Wellbeing

The Five Ways to Wellbeing Framework – Connect, Be Active, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning –has taken centre stage this week with the Year 12 Prefects facilitating various activities across the College to promote Wellbeing Week. 

Ultimately, the week is a celebration dedicated to nurturing our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Tomorrow (Thursday 12 September) is R U OK? Day, a National Day of Action. The message is very straight forward: every day is the day to check in with your friends, family and colleagues.

SchoolTV Special Report: R U OK? Day 

The rise of mental health concerns among young people, including anxiety, depression and self-harm, is a pressing issue amplified by factors such as academic stress, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations. It is therefore crucial to prioritise early intervention, de-stigmatise mental health discussions and provide accessible and effective support to address these concerns and promote the wellbeing of young people.

The annual charity, R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention year-round by urging people to invest time in personal relationships and empowering informal support networks to identify signs of distress. Families are encouraged to engage in this initiative, emphasising the importance of authentic human connections and reminding everyone to ask the essential question, 'Are you OK?'

Parents, carers and schools all play a vital role in shaping young lives. Participating in the annual R U OK? Day event goes beyond classrooms, showcasing a commitment to holistic student development. By initiating conversations about mental health, schools create safe spaces, where children feel valued, understood and supported. Parents and carers can help by fostering an open dialogue, normalising emotions, identifying support systems, teaching active listening and addressing any stigmas relating to mental health.

Participating in R U OK? Day also nurtures compassion and demonstrates our dedication to the wellbeing of the whole school community, reaffirming that together, we can make a difference!

Add a splash of yellow | Thursday 12 September

Tomorrow, Senior School students are invited to wear their sport uniform to school along with a yellow accessory, with R U OK? Day cookies available for purchase for 50 cents. 

The Junior School will mark R U OK? Day on Friday 13 September as the Junior School Athletics Carnival is scheduled for Thursday and the Year 3–6 students will be off site at the Domain Athletic Centre. 

The R U OK? Day website has a wide range of supports and resources, which you can access via the links below.  

• Resources to support young people
• Resources for schools
• Resources for every day

Click on the image below to view the informational video on the R U OK? website. 

Wellbeing Week will conclude on Friday 13 September with activities on the College Green for Year 5–12 students. Students are encouraged to bring a gold coin donation or a non-perishable food item ideal for a lunch box. Proceeds will go to the Year 12 Prefect charity for 2024, the Annie Kenney Young Women's Refuge. 

Meanwhile, Prep to Year 4 students will enjoy activities on the courtyard, including bubbles, skipping and chalk drawing.