MC News

We have been talking about wellbeing, or some of what I call "the keys to contentedness" in MC3 lately.

What helps us, as individuals, feel motivated to work through each day? 

What makes us feel good enough about ourselves? 

How do we perhaps even have some leftover positivity to help 'fill the cups' of others?

Some are still working on giving their brains and bodies time to heal and grow by respecting the natural body clock of our species; Awake into the wee hours gaming, feeling like nodding off in class, then sleeping all Saturday and Sunday, anyone?!

Others are trying to rest and play, eat and sleep, when the bulk of society does. They get out and about more. They walk to their friends' houses or shop for groceries. They go to their siblings' sports or other community group activities. They are less scared of being around people, crowds, or the outdoors. They go to local events like the Show, markets and festivals. They get a taste of life beyond our town's edge, of people who think and act differently. And they usually seem to have better social skills and 'dream bigger'.

So, when the MC department had the opportunity to volunteer with the set-up at the Australian Celtic Festival on Thursday, we were happy to muck in! Students set up hundreds of chairs in the dance tent, put up important signage and when a ute could not be found, carried bales of hay over seemingly vast distances! 

The exercise got our blood pumping, with Riley, Gus and Michael probably getting the best sleep that night! The challenges and teamwork surely got neural pathways growing. At the very least, they all now have something to put on their first CV/resume.

Best of all for me, was seeing them have the chance to experience the feelings created by contributing to something bigger than ourselves - the oxytocin and serotonin boost we receive from giving to others, even strangers.

But opportunities are nothing on their own. This experience was made possible by Mrs Suzy Woods and other staff who put in the time for the necessary administrative work. 

Thank you, on behalf of the MC, Miss Ross.

"It takes a village to raise a child" - African proverb.