COUNSELLING CONNECTIONS

The College celebrates R U OK? Day in the latter part of Term 1 each year, instead of on the official day in September.  We make this deliberate choice in consideration of the following:

• At this time of year, on the second Thursday in September, our seniors are focused on block exams and junior students are completing end-of-term assessments
• Educationally, we judge that this important positive life celebration is better at the beginning of the academic year rather than towards the end
• By this time in the calendar, thoughts of the community are more focused on a coming break
• The timing in first term allows our community to address this important matter with energy and openness.

However, I would not want to let the national celebration go past without recognising its importance and offering current resources and perspectives from the 2022 national R U OK? Day on 8 September.

National R U OK? Day

We can all make a difference in the lives of those who might be struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs.

If you feel like something’s not quite the same with someone you know – there’s something going on in their life or you notice a change in what they’re doing or saying - trust that gut instinct and take the time to ask them, “Are you OK?”

By acting as"eyes and ears" and reaching out to anyone who's going through a tough time we can show them they’re supported and encourage them to access help sooner.

R U OK? Australia has an excellent, and short, report detailing the effectiveness of the everyday person simply asking, “R U OK?”. Click on the link below. You do not need training to ask this important question and to listen with care to the verbal and non-verbal responses. 

R U OK?'s survey, as reported reveals:

• Approximately two-thirds of people (63%) are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling with life
• 41% hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew the signs
• But there is hope, with nearly 1 in 2 (49%) believing they’d be more confident starting a conversation if they knew the signs.

So the big indicators, the signs, are:

These are the questions that a concerned parent, a concerned relative or a friend considers.

Term holidays can be a time of significant stress in families: not all plans come to a positive outcome. If you or your family needs help while school is closed, the following list of resources could help.

National groups including those which focus on rural and remote areas

QUEENSLAND Groups

Community Resources for Counselling

This page provides contact details for other organisations providing information or services relating to counselling or psychotherapy. A separate printable sheet is attached here.  

Reprising Dr Kristy Goodwin

On 7 September, Dr Kristy Goodwin addressed our Parents-in-Touch evening. I was very pleased to attend her informative and insightful presentation which is available by clicking on her photo. 

A recent article crossed my desk which supports Dr Goodwin’s view on the balance of screen time and other activities. This article “24 hour movement guidelines for children and young people 5-17 years" is an excellent, brief document that I commend to you. It is well worth printing and referring to during holidays, term time and weekend and can be accessed by clicking on the image below.

We look forward to seeing your sons and watching their progress in term four. We wish each of our Saints families a relaxing and energising family holiday.