Wellbeing News
Patterson River Secondary College
Term 3
On Thursday August 28th, Patterson River Secondary College celebrated Wear It Purple Day (WIP) led by the Patterson River Secondary College RESPECT Group, Patterson River Secondary College Wellbeing Team and Kingston Youth Services. WIP Day aims to support LGBTQIA+ young people, promoting visibility, inclusion and acceptance in schools, workplaces and the broader community. WIP day was founded in 2010 in response to global stories of LGBTQIA+ youth facing discrimination, isolation and mental health challenges. This year’s theme, "Bold Voices, Bright Futures" celebrates the power of LGBTQIA+ youth to express themselves proudly and shape a more inclusive future. WIP Day is about fostering safe, supportive environments where all young people can thrive by being their authentic selves. WIP Day was celebrated within our school community with a morning tea for the Patterson River Secondary College RESPECT Group and allies and activities put on by the Wellbeing team and Kingston Youth Services during lunchtime, promoting inclusion and acceptance for all students. Thank you to everyone who participated in Patterson River Secondary College WIP Day events!!
R U OK? Week
During Week 8 the Wellbeing Team along with our trained R U OK? Ambassadors launched the College’s annual R U OK? Week in the lead up to the National Day of Action on Thursday the 11th of September. To continue to raise awareness of good mental health practices, as well as support this national day, the Wellbeing Team ran a range of activities throughout the week to help cultivate an R U OK? culture here at our College.
The R U OK? Ambassador role encompasses a 2-period training session where students are actively involved in skill-based training on the implementation of the R U OK? process. Chosen Ambassadors then have daily information to communicate to help upskill their classmates during Form Assembly throughout the R U OK? week. Student Ambassadors wore yellow R U OK? ribbon/badge or wrist bands for the week to signal their Ambassador role.
Activities that were on offer to students during the week included a positivity wall where students left messages of support and encouragement for each other, pancakes, connection stations including nice notes, friendship bracelets and connection Jenga, mental health services matching game and lemonade stand. A morning tea was held on R U Ok? Day for staff. It was lovely to see so many students and staff getting involved in activities throughout the week.
We would like to thank all staff and students that got involved throughout the week and continue to help normalise the importance of wellbeing and the promotion of positive mental health strategies for all members of our College community.
Year 9 Dog Program
During Term 3, Patterson River Secondary College was fortunate to secure funding to run a therapy dog program. A select group of Year 9 students took part in the program, which was facilitated by Wellbeing Officers Jess Taranto and Michael Carrucan, along with our therapy dog handler Sarah and therapy dog Bambi from Canine Comprehension.
The program ran for 8 weeks, with students participating in a 50-minute session each week. Across the program, students developed key communication skills - both verbal and non-verbal. They explored how to recognise and use body language, facial expressions and tone of voice, as well as how to manage inner self-talk. A strong focus was placed on shifting from negative to positive thinking through a range of mindfulness activities, problem-solving games and group discussions.
