Five Winning Ways to Wellbeing

Mental Health Week and R U OK? Day

During the final five weeks of this term, we are undertaking a host of activities related to the Five Winning Ways to Wellbeing. This consists of five simple and effective ways to improve psychological and emotional health that are based on extensive international research. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body for overall wellbeing. Like physical fitness, you can strengthen your psychological health in lots of small day-to-day ways. This will help you live a happier and a longer life as well as help you to cope with stress.

As a component of this, from 9  – 13 September, the school will be promoting Mental Health Week and R U OK? Day, with different activities and learning opportunities for students throughout the week at Coolock and St Mary’s.

Students can check out the Mental Health Week posters for full information about dates and times of what’s on and can keep an eye on SIMON Daily Messages for more information about Mental Health Week and R U OK? Day.

TAKE NOTICE: During the week students will receive a wristband from Beyond Blue, an organisation which provides information and support to help people achieve their best possible mental health. A collage of pet photos will be on display at the library, and a guess the song and artist competition will run all week.

BE ACTIVE: The student versus staff netball matches at lunchtime in the gym. Get along to show your support – and even have a laugh! (Tuesday St Mary’s; Wednesday Coolock). Students are also encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school this week.

GIVE: Lunchtime barbeques to raise money for Mercy Works (Tuesday Coolock; Wednesday St Mary’s). Blood Bank excursion for VCAL students. Live music on the steps at St Mary’s.

CONNECT: Thursday 12 September is R U OK? Day. Students can get involved by wearing a touch of yellow to school (with either your normal school uniform or PE uniform) to show that you support this cause. It could be a hair tie, ribbon, socks etc. This is a national day of action, dedicated to inspiring everyone to regularly ask each other “Are you OK?” The day aims to prevent the impacts of mental illness by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones. As a school community we want to promote and encourage everyone, not only today, but on a regular basis to ask their family and friends “Are you OK?”.

KEEP LEARNING: The ‘Guess the Song and Artist ‘ competition winners will be announced. Smiling Mind App introductory session.