Connecting Through Care: RUOK?Day 2024
Australia's R U OK? Day encourages people to connect with friends and family by asking a simple yet powerful question: "Are you OK?" and listening sincerely. In our school, we prioritise building a supportive community where everyone feels heard and valued. Therefore, every year on R U OK? Day (on the second Thursday in September), we host various related activities on campus to promote mental health and meaningful conversations.
The purpose of our R U OK? Day event is to create a caring environment on campus where students, teachers, and staffs can openly discuss mental health issues. By encouraging mutual care, we aim to raise awareness about mental health, reduce the negative stigma associated with it, and highlight how a simple conversation can make a significant impact. This event also showcases the cohesion of our school community, as everyone can strengthen their connections through caring and supporting one another.
Our counsellor Ms Ivy Hou shared tips and strategies along with external resources that our students can acccess. Our school's wellbeing lead teacher, Mr Tim Rees, introduced this year's R U OK? Day with more activities. He stated, "Our student wellbeing groups and staff joined forces to promote mental health and raise awareness about how to start a supportive conversation with someone who might be struggling, as well as to share positive strategies for enhancing our own wellbeing." During lunch, the school was buzzing with activities like bracelet making, yoga, badminton, face painting, chess, and photos with friends. The excitement carried into the evening, with boarding students enjoying a range of activities such as movie night, outdoor sports, meditation, mentoring study groups, gardening, and Magic: The Gathering card games.
Mr Rees told us, "The engagement from students was outstanding, with many showing their support for wellbeing by wearing yellow. It was a fantastic day of connection and community, reminding us all to look out for one another. This day serves as a powerful reminder to inspire and empower everyone to reach out and have meaningful conversations with those around them, especially those facing life’s challenges. You don’t need to be an expert to help—just a caring friend and a good listener."
The significance of this day lies not only in reminding us to check in with each other but also in extending this care into our daily lives. Through ongoing support and dialogue, we collectively create a warm community where everyone feels valued and understood.
