Students at Brookside P-9 College had an important question for each other last Thursday: R U OK?
The school marked R U OK? Day with a range of lunch time activities, including student-led performances and a performance by First Nation’s singer Brett Lee, on Thursday, September 8, which were designed to help students discuss mental health and the supports available to them.
Students also took part in activities throughout the week, including a drama production by Brainstorm Productions, which reiterated the importance of seeking help.
School counsellor Sandra Pham said the activities aimed to boost student confidence to seek help early; nurture their sense of responsibility to regularly connect and support others; strengthen the sense of belonging by creating a supportive school environment ; and provide students with a sense of leadership and responsibility by taking active roles in the promotion of mental health in the school community and beyond.
“R U OK? Day is an important day for Brookside College as it allows the school to come together as a community and discuss the importance of mental health and the supports that are available,” Ms Pham said.
“We achieve this by hosting a series of activities that aim to engage students in conversations around mental health and wellbeing, particularly with promoting help-seeking and supporting others.”
