Mental Health Week
Despite the rain, kids give Girton Mental Health Week 2022 a big thumbs up!
It was another bumper schedule of activities during Mental Health Week and judging by the number of participants , this year’s program was a hit with Girton’s Senior School students. The aim of Mental Health Week is to raise awareness, open up conversations and above all else – to have some fun together! Each day had a different theme and message for students to take away in looking after their mental health.
Happy Minds was the name of the game on Monday, and the day started with a smiling meditation and tea ceremony at 65 Wattle before school. At Recess, students enjoyed the opportunity to compete in a biscuit decorating competition in the style of the ‘Nailed It’ TV Show. With specific designs to copy, some students showed a high level of talent. Others made a complete mess and simply enjoyed eating their creation. In both cases, students had a lot of fun and by the laughing and smiles on display on the PA Decking, it was clear this activity needs to be locked in for next year. Unfortunately, this year’s karaoke event was cancelled due to the rain, but we hope to get students belting out a few numbers again next year.
Kind Minds was the theme of Tuesday. A small group of students enjoyed a ‘self compassion’ meditation and tea ceremony in 65 Wattle, which was a lovely way for these students to start the day. At recess, the kindness theme continued with notes of kindness and ‘friendship wristbands’. It was great to see students of all ages scribbling out notes for their special people, and a number went the ‘anonymous’ angle to recognise someone they appreciate. There were eight different coloured wrist bands available and each colour was symbolic of a particular character trait – Eg: Helpful, Patient, Enthusiastic etc. This activity was very popular and throughout the day students all around the School could be seen proudly donning their appropriately coloured friendship bands.
At lunchtime, the sound of music boomed around the PA courtyard as students enjoyed the opportunity to dedicate songs to their friends. As always, the dedications ran right up until the bell rang to end lunchtime and it was interesting to hear the number of songs from yesteryear. Who says young people have questionable taste in music! The School was also blessed to have a visit from Headspace to connect with students and ensure they know that help was there, should they need it.
In the spirit of Mental Health, it was fitting that students and staff had Wednesday to step away from school life and to have a day of relaxation with loved ones.
Energised Minds was the theme on Thursday. The Staff v Student Soccer match has long been a huge draw card as part of R U OK? day, but due to rain was postponed until Mental Health Week. Despite the rain again derailing our plans, thankfully staff were able to pivot and re-schedule the action to the indoor courts and it was ‘Game On’ as planned. A huge and vocal crowd filled the bleachers and the match was again played in the right way – fiercely competitive, but very fair, with the teachers getting the points in a nail-biter. Mr McGauran was the general in goals, but undoubtedly the highlight was Mr Langan’s overhead bicycle kick winner to seal it for the teachers. Amazing scenes!
Students were also treated to an ice-cream just prior to the soccer action. With four flavours to choose from – each with a mental health-themed name, judging by the long queue and the empty ice cream tubs at the end, this looks another feature for next year’s program. What’s not to love about a confectionary-covered ice cream cone!
Calm Minds was the theme on Friday to round out another action-packed week. The students were treated to a ‘relaxation yoga session’ from Girton’s resident yoga guru – Ms Dempster. These sessions are always very popular with students and it was great to see these students put through their paces then finish off with the final resting pose – Savasna. At recess, students were invited to explore their creative and artistic side by drawing Mandela Designs on selected areas of the PA Courtyard. Mandelas represent the cyclical nature of life, and also present a great opportunity to be mindful. At lunchtime, the PA Courtyard was again booming with the sounds of music as students enjoyed the ‘Ipod Shuffle’ which was a setlist voted on by students throughout the week. A group of students also enjoyed making a ‘sleepy bath salts’ mix in 65 Wattle and got to take home their mix to enjoy in a hot bath next time they feel stressed.
The 65 Wattle Team would like to thank everyone who helped set up these activities throughout the week. Despite some challenges with the rain, this year’s activities were very popular with students and this is testament to the many hands that helped make these things happen. The students thoroughly enjoyed this year’s Mental Health Week program and importantly – students took away much important food for thought. The team at 65 Wattle look forward to presenting another week full of fun and excitement next year.