R U OK? Day is a powerful reminder that everyone has the ability to ask, “Are you OK?”, today and any day, and make a real difference in someone’s life.
Good mental health allows an individual to deal with the challenges that life throws at them. This includes being able to work and study, deal with day to day life stress, feel connected to others, be involved in activities in your community and ‘bounce back’ when things go wrong. Just like physical health, mental health takes regular effort and practice.
This year’s Senior School R U OK? Day event at PCACS was nothing short of amazing, with an array of engaging workshops and activities designed to boost mental health awareness and encourage open dialogues.
The entire day consisted of a rotation of activities for students in Years 7 – 12. Every student attended an Education Workshop with either Paul Dillon from DARTA (Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia) or Zero2Hero, who shared invaluable insights into mental health and resilience. They all did a creative session and then students had the choice of one of four active sessions:
- Dance workshop led by G Madison from The Dance Collective
- Martial Arts workshop with Zac and Blake (both former students) from Rampage MMA
- Fitness workshop with Caela (2022 Alumni)
- Bush walk at Henley Reserve
Beyond the workshops, the day was packed with creative and recreational activities that made for a vibrant atmosphere. Students enjoyed a chill out zone with inflatables, an animal farm, various food trucks and yard games. The lunchtime concert was a highlight, featuring performances by our students and having the visitors from Anglicare, Freedom, Living Proud, Animal Companions, Headspace, Zero2Hero and Youth Focus each with an interactive stall for our students.
In the true R U OK? Day spirit, the students were accessorised with yellow from socks to hats, embracing the theme and showing their support.
All in all, this year’s R U OK? Day was another success, showcasing the School’s dedication to mental health and the power of community support. By creating a day full of engaging activities and meaningful conversations, PCACS not only celebrated mental wellness but also reinforced the importance of reaching out and supporting one another.
Mrs Rebecca Weddikkara
SENIOR SCHOOL DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE