Badano Program

R U OK? Lessons in Badano

This term, students across Years 7–10 explored the message of R U OK? through their Badano lessons. By embedding the themes into our wellbeing curriculum, we ensure that the skills of care, empathy, and connection are practised regularly and become part of everyday life at St Monica’s College.

For Years 7 and 8, the focus was on building confidence in starting conversations. Students learned to:

Ask someone they are worried about if they are OK
Say “Are you OK?” in a way that feels natural and comfortable
Recognise how they can be supportive as a friend, while also knowing their limits
Understand the importance of emotional awareness
Explore how to communicate differently with friends, family, teachers, and others in their lives.

For Years 9 and 10, the lessons went deeper, encouraging students to reflect on the responsibilities and boundaries of friendships. They practised:

Asking “Are you OK?” with empathy and confidence
Following up and keeping the conversation going
Knowing when they can support a friend, and when to encourage help-seeking from trusted adults
Recognising their own emotional responses and how these shape their conversations
Adjusting their communication for different contexts, including online interactions.

Across all year levels, students were reminded that being a good friend does not mean having all the answers. Real care is shown through listening, empathy, and being present, and sometimes by encouraging others to seek further support through the Year Level Leaders and our College Counsellors when needed.

These lessons align closely with our Restorative Practices approach, where building and maintaining healthy relationships is at the centre of learning and wellbeing. By practising these skills in Badano, students are learning that care and connection are not one-off actions, but everyday habits that strengthen our school community.

Ms M Theodosis

Wellbeing Coordinator

Mrs M Maroulakos

Mr B Schubert

Badano Leaders