12 September 2024
Acknowledging R U OK? Day in the Junior School
At our Week 7 assembly, Vice Captain Ryan Fowler introduced the Junior School to Blue Week. Blue Week is a week highlighting mental health in our community. On Thursday, our Junior School acknowledged R U OK? Day, a meaningful reminder of the importance of connection within our community. The theme for R U OK? Day in 2024 was Ask R U OK? any day. As a community we continue to highlight the need to check in on each other throughout each day.
Throughout the week, the school prefects connected with our Junior School students, checking in and organising a joint art work of blue handprints. Staff were encouraged to take time, have a coffee and biscuit and reconnect with colleagues. However, the significance of these conversations and connections extends beyond just one day – they must be ongoing across our entire School community.
At the heart of our Visible Wellbeing framework is the SEARCH model, with relationships as a key component. Our Junior School continued to place special emphasis on cultivating positive relationships through strategies from the URStrong program.
I frequently engage in conversations with parents and families about how we can encourage students to open up when things aren’t going well. Help-seeking behavior is vital when children face challenges, whether they stem from relationships or experiences. Research shows that young boys, in particular, are often the least likely to seek support during difficult times. So, how can we foster more genuine, authentic discussions?
One effective method we use is our student diaries, where students are encouraged to write down three good things, something they are grateful for and service activities that happened each day. These entries can spark deeper conversations, highlighting individuals who made a positive impact and creating opportunities to discuss future goals or aspirations.
School TV has released an excellent wellbeing resource for parents to share with their children about R U OK? Any Day. It offers a wealth of information providing guidance and support as you help your child navigate life’s challenges and make time for meaningful check-ins. It can be viewed here: School TV – R U OK? Any Day
Ben Storer
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing and Administration
