Student Leadership 

Student Leadership - Community Focus Day - R U OK ?

A huge congratulations to the VSC community for raising money and awareness for this semester's Community Focus Day- 

‘R U OK?’ Day! 

‘R U OK?’ is a suicide prevention charity in Australia, encouraging everyone to notice the signs of mental health struggles in those around us. They aim to start life-changing conversations and raise awareness for mental ill health nation-wide.

‘R U OK?’ empowers everyone to initiate meaningful conversations and lend support to those struggling. This year the theme for the National Day of Focus was ‘Ask R U OK?; No qualifications needed’. 

To raise awareness, the VSC community wore a splash of yellow, engaged in classroom activities, bought merchandise and had their nails painted, listened to live bands at lunchtime, and most importantly, worked to reduce mental health stigma. It is important to remember ‘R U OK?’ Day is not where these conversations start or end, and we should make it a regular habit to check in with each other. 

A big thank you to the hardworking team of Student Leaders who developed resources for class activities, lunchtime community activities, managed advertising and sales of merchandise and collected and counted funds raised. They are a passionate and amazing group of leaders!

A conversation could change a life. The steps involved in asking if someone is OK are outlined below:

1- Ask R U OK?

2- Listen with an open mind

3- Encourage action, and

4- Check in.

Watch this video to consider the signs we might see in our school mates that can prompt an R U OK? Conversation. 

Check out ‘R U OK?’ for more awesome resources and information!

Ruby G (Hotham - Media Captain)

Kelly Stals (Leading Teacher & Hotham Head of House)

Permanent Check-in points across out school – initiated by Student Leadership.

Some of the members of the Student Leadership Team who developed the Classroom Presentation.