Wellbeing

A Special Report: R U OK?Day

Understanding the growing challenges related to mental health among young people is an important consideration. Anxiety, depression and self-harm - are all causes for concern. Factors like academic pressure, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations, are contributing to these issues. It's therefore crucial for parents and caregivers to take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of their children.

R U OK?Day is an initiative that focuses on preventing suicide by encouraging meaningful personal connections and helping informal support networks to help recognise the signs of distress. We urge all families to take part, emphasising the value of genuine human relationships and reminding everyone to ask the important question, "Are you OK?"

Engaging in R U OK?Day activities goes beyond the classroom; it's a commitment to our students' overall development. By talking openly about mental health, schools create safe spaces where students feel understood, valued, and supported. As parents and caregivers, you can contribute by fostering open conversations, normalising feelings and breaking down mental health stigmas. Participating in R U OK?Day promotes compassion and shows our dedication to the wellbeing of the entire school community, reaffirming that together, we can truly make a difference.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to talk to your child about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

https://buff.ly/5zKBv4D

Year 7 and 8 students across Australia are invited to enter the R U OK? National Student Art Competition!

This year’s theme asks students to explore: “What does connection mean to you?”

Students are encouraged to respond in any way they like. For example, their artwork could:

• Demonstrate people or places they feel connected to
• Showcase activities or hobbies that help them feel connected
• Display ways they help other people feel connected

We are proud to share that four of our students have already entered the competition!

Artwork by Christen David (Year 7)

Digital Artwork made using Ibispaint

Artwork name: Reaching out

Because RUOK day is all about reaching out to people, I made this artwork based on that. The hands symbolising people reaching out for one another, the heart symbolising love and support, and the ribbon to represent connection sort of. For me, connection means when people can understand each other and can use that empathy to support each other, which is like the message I'm trying to convey in this poster.

Artwork by Aliya Dass (Year 7)

Artwork Name: "You aren't alone, no matter who you are."

Artwork Desc: An illustration focusing on shading to show that small details, like you, matter. 

Artwork by Michaella Dela Cruz (Year 7)

Artwork Name: Linked by a String

The bright ribbon symbolises invisible emotional ties between two people. Though one hand dismisses their emotions, the connection remains. This reflects the genuine concern beyond words, and how support can exist despite hidden feelings

Artwork by Isis Daraoay (Year 8)

Artwork Name: Connection between friends

My painting “Connection between friends” displays the different items and symbols that each make us unique as individuals and as a friend group. Like my friends they mean everything to me, they each display how diverse and perfect a friend can be. They display what sentimental value is

To support R U OK? Week,We had organised a series of Staff vs Student Challenges during recess and lunch breaks. These fun, short activities saw staff and students go head-to-head in a spirit of friendly competition.

The aim of these challenges is to:

• Promote Connection: Encourage stronger relationships and a sense of community by creating a lighthearted environment where staff and students can interact outside of the classroom.
• Break Down Barriers: Give students the opportunity to see staff in a different light, fostering approachability and mutual respect.
• Highlight Wellbeing: Remind us all that positive interactions, laughter, and play support wellbeing – which is at the heart of R U OK? Week.

Update on social media age restrictions

From mid-December, Australian children under 16 will not be allowed to hold accounts on certain social media platforms. The age restrictions are likely to apply to Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube, among other platforms. Online gaming and standalone messaging apps are among a number of types of services that will not be included. 

Holding and being logged into an account increases the likelihood that under-16s will be exposed to pressures and risks that can be hard to deal with. For example, the pressure to constantly respond to notifications and alerts, and the risk of exposure to content that can harm their wellbeing. Delaying account access until 16 will give young people more time to build digital literacy, critical reasoning, social and emotional skills and resilience. 

It’s important that we support under-16s by talking openly about the age restrictions, finding out how they currently use social media and how they may be impacted by the law. 

If your child, student, or someone you know, has come across disturbing content online, there are a range of counselling services you can reach out to for help and support. 

If a life is in danger call Triple Zero (000) right now.    

• Kids Helpline, for 5–25-year-olds: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au (webchat is also available).   
• headspace: support for young people, professionals, educators and families    
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au   
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 or beyondblue.org.au   

Find more information on support services, including state-based services for parents and carers at eSafety.gov.au.