WEL L N ES S
Week
R U OK? Day Mr Baldino Vetrano - Director of Students
Wellness Week 2021 was a wonderful opportunity to support both staff and students throughout Week 8 of Term 3 and beyond.
D
uring remote learning, COVID-19 restrictions made some of us feel isolated and alone and it became extremely important that during these difficult times the wellbeing of students and staff were our main priority. The College Counsellors developed a number of very proactive activities throughout the week for students to complete in the lead up to RUOK? Day. Homeroom teachers did an amazing job in guiding students to complete the activities and enhanced the atmosphere with support and compassion to everyone. Each day, students were given different activities to complete. The aim was to stimulate discussion throughout Homerooms and to connect with each other in a personal and honest way. Being able to ask someone if they’re ‘really’ OK is not easy to do and our students needed to master these skills so they could approach others with care and dignity, while truly looking out for one another. Activities were designed to help students ask, listen and encourage action when it comes to
24 S T G R E G O RY ’ S C O L L E G E | Hearts & Minds
having meaningful conversations. The activity also promoted meaningful insight into the strengths and weaknesses of social media when asking RUOK? Staff also shared wellbeing tips and recommendations throughout the week. Motivational and inspirational messages were sent to all, in the hope that EVERYONE was travelling well and feeling inspired. At the end of the week, all students across the College were encouraged to wear a splash of yellow in support of RUOK? Day. Our young men took the initiative seriously and it was extremely pleasing to see how creative some students were in displaying their support for positive mental health. Finally, our staff and students came together in making a promise video, this was shared with the College community on the last day of Wellness Week 2021. It is very clear that wellbeing is of high priority at St Gregory’s and our College community takes great pride in making sure we are all safe and well.
IS S U E 02 | NOVE M B E R 2021
25
