There’s More to Say After “RU OK?”

Last week, our boys engaged in a range of RU OK? Day awareness-raising activities. Some of our Student Leadership Team and Student Representative Council leaders came into school early to create two murals to greet the boys on their way into school on Thursday. All students in Years 7 to 9 learnt and practised the 4 steps* to asking RU OK in their Wellbeing Period last week, whilst the whole school was involved in conversation on the topic in Tutor Group time on the day. (*1. Ask. 2. Listen. 3. Encourage Action. 4. Check-in. See the last edition of Tolle Lege for tips on how to ask and support someone who is struggling.) The message from the 2020 Wellbeing Prefect, Lucas Sieb in the ZOOM College Assembly emphasised that whilst RU OK? Day is an important awareness-raising day, we should be looking out for those around us every day and asking them if we are worried about them.

A difficult, yet vital conversation

Talking to your son or daughter about mental health is one that parents may find difficult and might prefer to avoid. RU OK? Day is held on World Suicide Prevention Day every year on 10 September, created to improve education and awareness of the issue of suicide. It is such a complex, sensitive and challenging topic to understand and address and one that has traditionally been put in the ‘too hard’ basket. Fortunately, the issue is gradually being destigmatised through greater awareness on days such as RU OK? Day, and from increased funding from government and initiatives and resources created by key organisations such as Headspace, ReachOut, Lifeline, Black Dog Institute and Beyond Blue. I encourage parents to attend our Parent Seminars throughout the year such as ‘A Night with the Blokes’ or ‘A Night with the Parents’ (Term 4) that aim to increase awareness and confidence discussing the issue of mental health at home.

There are many great resources for parents such as ReachOut Parents: https://parents.au.reachout.com/ and last week, Black Dog Institute released this guide to talking about suicide with young people: https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Tackling-the-topic-of-suicide-with-children-20202.pdf. As always, if you have any concerns regarding the wellbeing or mental health of your son, please do not hesitate to contact your son’s Formation Leader or one of our College Psychologists directly.

GPs in Schools Program – Year 11

On Tuesday 22 September (Week 10), our Year 11 boys will be participating in the ‘GPs in Schools Program’ in a COVID-19 safe manner. This wonderful initiative by Sydney North Health Network means 14 General Practitioners will be running workshops with our boys to facilitate open and honest dialogue about health issues such as accessing health services, sexual health, drug and alcohol use, physical health and staying mentally healthy. Last year, the feedback from our students was overwhelmingly positive. Groups will be approximately 14 students in friendship groups with one GP, running through Periods 1, 2 and 3. I look forward to welcoming the GPs that volunteer their time for this invaluable initiative and am sure that our boys will get a lot out of the session.

‘Need a Lift?’ Youth Mental Health Month Photography Competition

I sent information out to all our boys last week about this competition and a number of them have since entered and shared with me their photo entry – I have loved seeing their wonderful shots. I encourage all our budding photographers to take a picture and enter the competition. Irrespective of the competition outcome, simply being present in the moment and taking a photo of something that brings them joy or a sense of awe or wonder will undoubtedly enhance their own wellbeing.

Need a Lift? is an initiative of Northern Sydney Local Health District, supported by North Sydney Council, Hornsby/Ku-ring-gai CDAT, North Shore CDAT and Ku-ring-gai Council. Selected photos will be showcased in local hospitals, community health centres, Council facilities and social media during Mental Health Month in October. To celebrate positive mental health, competition participants are being asked to capture a photo of something uplifting, positive or joyful in your life or community. Five JB Hi-Fi vouchers up for grabs with value of up to $250. See attached ‘Need a Lift?’ flyer for more information.

Daniel Fee
Leader of Student Wellbeing