Sacred Heart College Year seven students and teachers Mr Byrne and Mr Geary display their yellow items of clothing to represent R U OK Day.
R U OK Day is an important day on the calendar to focus on mental health with both Sacred Heart College and Sacred Heart Primary School holding events in honour of the day.
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Last Thursday Sacred Heart College students spent their LA speaking of the importance of the day and what R U OK means before coming together at lunchtime for yellow donuts and some activities.
The events of the day were organised by Year 12 VCAL student Olivia Ford as part of her Senior VCAL independent project.
“It’s important to make the awareness for R U OK more widespread and for teenagers who hide their feelings a fair bit to feel comfortable enough to tell others they are not ok or for friends to find the confidence to ask,” Olivia said.
“I wanted to do something for the day to get all the students talking about how they are feeling and letting others know when they are not ok.”
The students watched YouTube clips by R U OK throughout the week leading up to R U OK Day with a feature length video played on Monday.
Sacred Heart College acknowledged the day last year but due to covid restrictions were unable to hold any events.
“We want to thank Mulwala Bakery for supplying yellow iced donuts for the day and Woolworths for donating the soft drink which had a chocolate and R U OK wristband around them for students to wear throughout the day,” Teacher Mr Cameron Byrne said.
At Sacred Heart Primary, students and staff wore bright yellow clothing before spending the afternoon learning all about the warning signs and how to ask if someone is ok.
This year Sacred Heart Primary School got involved with the Resilience Project which came at an integral time for the school, due to two years of COVID, lockdowns and remote learning.
It was a great opportunity for the school to get involved and support the wellbeing of students, families, and the whole school community.
Sacred Heart Primary School staff and students support the day by wearing yellow or R U OK t-shirts while putting their thumbs up to ask R U OK?
The Resilience Program aligns beautifully with the school’s Catholic identity and Mercy values which has allowed students to engage with lessons and each other.
“We have focused on three key aspects: Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness known as GEM. We have seen an increase in children's use of daily gratitude strategies and their sense of gratitude and empathy towards each other,” Wellbeing Leader Patrice Goldman said.
“Being involved in a day like today is another way we can demonstrate and remind the students why it is so important to check with each other and ask R U OK?
“As we all know it is a national day of action when we remind Australians that every day is the day to ask, 'Are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever you spot the signs that someone you care about might be struggling to find someone to play with.”
In the afternoon the primary school students all buddied up with another grade and participated in some fun activities to engage the students and remind them why it is an important day to everyone.
Students and staff were asked to wear something that makes them feel good.
Sacred Heart Primary School staff and students wore something that makes them feel good with many wearing something yellow for the cause.
The day was also culminated with the new 'Buddy Benches' that were kindly made and donated by the Yarrawonga Lions Club and Tungamah Social Club.
The idea is if a child feels lonely, they can go to the bench as a signal that they need someone to play with. Another child will see them, go, and talk to them and include them in their games.
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