Mental Health Week and Facts About Sleep

As we approach Mental Health week next week, students have had lots of opportunities to reflect on their health and wellbeing. The Year 11 Retreats provided valuable opportunities for students to ‘Connect’ with each other and themselves and build on their wellbeing toolkit. Our Year 12 VCAL students have gone to the Bendigo Blood bank to learn more about the incredible role this organisation and donors play in saving lives and how they can get involved in this ‘Giving’ in the future.

We were fortunate to have past students Zach Williams and Belle Grech come and talk with us at our St Mary’s assembly last week around the theme of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Zach was inspirational in sharing aspects of his own journey throughout secondary school and how that impacted his wellbeing.

Zach also shared tips and strategies that helped him move up the ‘mental health continuum’ over time, including the importance of asking R U Ok? to those you care about and being able to say ‘not really’ if you are not. Zach has a passion for working with young people and is currently studying Psychology and Behavioural Science degrees. He is working with some Year 11 students delivering the FRIENDS program.

Belle is a member of the Headspace Youth Reference group and she shared her passion for supporting others and promoting aspects of promoting mental health. Belle shared how she came to be involved with the Youth reference group and encouraged others to get involved and have their voice heard. Belle has also been talking with classes sharing ‘Tips for a healthy headspace’. It has been wonderful to welcome back our past students!

As we explore themes around wellbeing, the basic foundational blocks continue to be a focus on good sleep, nutrition and exercise or being active. Included this week is an article for parents which highlights the importance of sleep, impacts of the lack of sleep, information around technology and phone use and sleep, and some conversation points around this. This information is in the Download box below.

Next week, consistent with the theme of ‘GIVE’ we will have a barbeque at Coolock on Tuesday at lunchtime, and Wednesday at St Mary’s as a fundraiser for Mercy Works. Headspace staff will attend both barbeques to talk about the services they offer and provide some information to students. In promoting ‘BE ACTIVE’, staff and students will go head-to-head at both sites in staff v student netball games next week. Who will be awarded the Mental Health Cup? Stay tuned!

On Thursday 12 September we will be acknowledging R U Ok? Day with a variety of activities on both sites. Students may wear PE uniform (or normal uniform if they wish!) providing they wear a touch of yellow such as a ribbon, socks, hat, with their uniform to support this day. Upcoming activities at both sites in coming weeks will be promoted to students via SIMON.

Ms Amanda Leonard, Wellbeing Team Leader