MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

Last week we celebrated Mental Health Week at St Mary MacKillop College Swan Hill,  the week was filled with meaningful activities to promote positive wellbeing and mental health support within our community.

Big Blue Table - Wednesday, October 16th

We started the week with our Big Blue Table event, the whole school came together to share a meal and gain an awareness of positive mental healthIt was also a casual clothes day, with many wearing blue to show support for Beyond Blue.On the day we raised $528.50,  thank you to everyone who donated a gold coin to help fund life-saving support from Beyond Blue.

Creative Fun Activities - Thursday, October 17th

Thursday was “jam-packed” with engaging activities centred around mental wellness. Staff were treated to some delicious hot jam donuts provided by our wellbeing team as a token of appreciation for all that they do to support our students. At lunchtime, students had the opportunity to  make stress balls,and decorate tote bags, while our gratitude tree blossomed with heartfelt reflections of things to be thankful for. Year 12s joined in the fun with games and piñatas, fostering connections and fun among our school community.

Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser and Headspace Visit - Friday, October 18th

We wrapped up the week with a delicious sausage sizzle on Friday run by the VM students and Miss Curtis. Sausages were available for $2.00, and all proceeds supported a local family who recently lost their possessions in a devastating fire. We also welcomed Headspace who provided lunchtime activities, dietitian Kristi encouraged students to explore healthy eating habits by spinning the wheel for tasty options, headspace staff also participated in  a range of games with the students. Everyone learned that good nutrition is vital for mental health, supporting better mood and mental clarity.

A huge thank you to Bakers Delight and Danny from Doey’s Meats for donating the bread and sausages for the sausage sizzle fundraiser, their kindness and compassion was greatly appreciated and their generosity helped to make a significant difference within our community. 

Thank you to our Wellbeing committee, Wellbeing team and everyone who participated and made Mental Health Week such a success. Let’s continue to support one another to live out our school’s focus this year of intentional inclusivity and remember to be kind to all, be gentle to all.