Mental Health Week and RUOK? Day

Kolbe once again celebrated Mental Health Week in combination with RUOK? Day on 12 September. This year's theme was 'Courage' with student's encouraged to be brave and try something new, ask for help and to check in with others. The week was celebrated in style, with students able to participate in lunchtime activities including creating Dream Catchers, Glitter Bottles and Courage Bracelets. These activities were chosen in line with research which has shown participating or viewing artistic activities can enhance mental health and provide personal meaning. These activities were also aimed at providing a calming space for students to use their skills to develop items which can be used for relaxation and mindfulness, both of which have been shown to be beneficial for mental health. Students were also able to watch 'Brave' or participate in novelty activities at different points during the week with the intention of allowing students to develop lasting memories with their peers through fun and engaging activities.

The centrepiece of the week was the Walk for Mental Health on the oval which aimed to help raise awareness for Mental Health and encouraged students to ask each other 'RUOK?'.  Student leaders and staff were able to wear their bright yellow RUOK? t-shirts to help celebrate the day and help bring to the forefront a very important cause. Through this initiative, students were encouraged to check in on each other using the 4 steps promoted by RUOK?:

1. Ask “R U OK?”
2. Listen
3. Encourage action (by accessing supports)
4. Check in

Kolbe's Mental Health Week has continued to be a success and we look forward to being able to celebrate the week again as a community in 2025.