Head of Students News

Supporting Youth Mental Health: Join the Fight Against Suicide

In the wake of unsettling statistics revealing suicide as the leading cause of death among young Australians, a wave of concern has swept across the nation. Over 75% of mental health problems manifest before the age of 25, yet it's this very demographic that's the least likely to seek professional help. Such realities were tragically encapsulated in the story of Meg Thomas, a 13-year-old girl who felt utterly alone and succumbed to her mental health struggle. Her heartbreaking story, accessible here, serves as a stark reminder that this crisis could impact anyone.

Galvanised by the severity of this issue, a group of committed Brisbane high school students launched 'You Are Not Alone' - a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to youth mental health awareness and prevention. Their mission? To spark essential conversations and combat the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health.

Their inaugural event, the YRNA Fun Run in 2022, made a tangible impact. Hosted in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, the event attracted over 2,500 participants and raised more than $37,000. This substantial sum funded 955 Lifeline crisis intervention calls, providing much-needed support to those in critical need.

This year, on Saturday 24 June, the stage is set for an even greater impact. Your family is cordially invited to join the movement. As part of our partner high schools, your children can contribute to a cause that's striving to illuminate the dark corners of youth mental health.

All proceeds raised from ticket sales, raffles, and personal or team fundraising efforts will help us reach our ambitious goal of $50,000. These funds will facilitate the launch of our school-based mental health programs, with a target to reach over 20,000 Queensland students in 2023. Furthermore, the money will support our mental health crisis response teams and training, the production of our 'Shining a Light' mini-documentary series, and the continuous improvement of our support website.

On June 24, we invite you to run or walk in solidarity for the countless Queensland students who continue to bear the burden of their mental health struggles in silence. Participate in this event and give them the reassurance that they are truly not alone. Register and/or fundraise by visiting our website.

Given the under-acknowledged severity of this issue, we believe this is an invaluable opportunity for your family to contribute to a crucial cause. We eagerly anticipate your participation on the day, and appreciate your commitment to supporting this significant issue.

Parent Presentations – Term 3

Paul Dillon – Thursday 20 July 2023

Mr Paul Dillon has been working the area of drug education for the almost 30 years. Through his business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, he regularly gives updates on current trends.  Paul has worked with many school communities to ensure they have access to good quality information and best practice drug education. 

An ex-school teacher, Paul has an interest in working with young people, and regularly provides drug information sessions and workshops to students across the country. 

Paul will be speaking to our year 10, 11 and 12 students during the day (information to follow closer to the date).  Paul will also be delivering a parent presentation on Thursday evening.  The topics covered will include:

• Teens, parties, gatherings ad alcohol: what do parents need to know?
• Vaping – “short and sweet”:  what do parents need to know?
• “Risk taking” – why teens do the things they do? What can parents do to keep them as safe as possible? 

Please click on the link to register your attendance.  This is a free event:  https://events.humanitix.com/paul-dillon-presentation-fn7a1gmb

Dr Ian Lillico – Monday 24 July 2023

Dr Lillico has been invited to the College to speak to parents about supporting our sons.  This exciting and engaging seminar deals with helping our boys to grow into great citizens. Ian will outline strategies for parents to assist their children in the development from birth to 25.  He will examine relationships, the particular needs that boys have, their feelings and learning styles. The role of still pictures, reading fiction, digital learning and many other facets will be examine during the evening. Ian will explain why it is even more difficult for today’s boys to put their minds to reading, writing and numeracy in a digital world. He will give many practical strategies for parents to use to better engage both boys and girls, improve their functional literacy and grow into fine young adults. 

Dr Ian Lillico is a former High School Principal and is now an international consultant in gender, education, homework and middle schooling.  He has done action research in general throughout Australia and New Zealand from 1992 and worldwide from 2000. 

Ian has a PHD in Education, is a Churchill Fellow, Founder and Executive Director of the Boys Forward Institute and a Life Member and National Fellow of The Australian Council of Educational Leaders (ACEL).

Please click on the link to register your attendance.  This is a free event: 

https://events.humanitix.com/dr-ian-lillico-presentation

Years 9 and 10 Loretto College Dance

Invitation for our Year 9 and 10 students from Loreto College to attend their dance on Friday 21 July.