Month

Thumbs up: Trafalgar High School Year 8 students Kyen Jenkins, Riley Claridge and Lincoln Riley show their R U Okay Day wrist band. photographs supplied R U OK Day? at Traf High

FOR R U OK Day? on Thursday, September 9, Trafalgar High School marked the national Mental Health promotion day as a school community reinforcing the importance of staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues with students, staff and our wider community. From themed word searches to staff PD webinars, the day was marked by students who were both working remotely and onsite. The school which has offered Teen Mental Health First Aid to all Year 10 students already in 2021 and will offer Year 8 students the program in Term 4 has participated in a wide range of mental health promotion activities. “It’s such a pleasure to see the confidence growing in our community to support friends & family with mental health,” principal Jane Mersey said. “Events like R U OK Day? and Teen Mental Health First Aid support our community to genuinely ask friends and family are you OK?” Showing support: Year 7 student Jack Garven with his R U Okay Day wristband.

St Joseph’s show support

ST Joseph’s School community has asked R U OK? In pandemic times this question is even more important. Because when it comes to our friends, family and colleagues, do we really know how they are doing? As close as we might be, sometimes it is hard to tell. So, stay connected and make asking R U OK? part of your everyday. That way, if they are struggling with something big or something small or maybe nothing at all, they’ll know you care. Are they really ok? Ask today. Learn how to ask at ruok.org.au because a conversation could change a life. To acknowledge R U OK? Day, staff at St Joseph’s School in Trafalgar were presented with care packages. Some staff had their packages delivered to their homes as they were working from home and others participated in the event at school in COVIDSafe conditions. The care packages included each staff member’s favourite hot and cold drink, chocolate treats and home baked goodies provided by the Parents and Friends Group (special thanks to Lauren, Ruby, Kylee and Narelle). Care: From left, Jen Gavin and Taryn MaxwellGarratt.

Coffee time: From left, Lucy Martiniano, Carmen Farrell and Sonia Lombardo.

photographs supplied Thank you: Pictured enjoying their care packages were staff at St Joseph’s Trafalgar, from left Emma Poore, Vicki Cook and Raelee Hill.

Focus: Year 9 student Sophia making candles for her candle business.

Innovation: Year 9 student Andrianna making a hay feeder from an old trailer. New skills are unleashed

LOCKDOWNS haven’t prevented St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Year 9 students from pursuing new skills as they work enthusiastically on their Personal Projects during online learning. A highlight of the Year 9 Thinking and Learning unit at St Paul’s, the Personal Project requires students to research, plan and produce their project around an area of interest or a passion. The students have worked hard on their projects during online learning and are optimistic about the prospect of presenting them to other students at school next term. Teachers have supported the students and provided advice as needed. The St Paul’s Head of Years 9 and 10, Ms Kirsten Enders, has been thrilled to witness the growth of the students and said, “Online learning has been a challenge for our students, however one positive is that our Year 9 Personal Projects can still steam ahead, as most activity takes place at home to complete them. We have enjoyed touching base with our students this week to see the variety of marvellous talents and skills at work”.