Wellbeing Matters
A Week of Connection and Conversation: Celebrating a Successful R U OK? week at SJPC
What a fantastic week it has been at St John Paul College! Our school was filled with a wonderful sense of community spirit as students and staff came together to champion the important message of R U OK? Day. The sea of yellow ribbons worn proudly on uniforms was a vibrant, daily reminder to check in with one another, listen with an open mind, and start a conversation that could change a life.
The week was packed with activities designed to foster connection and raise awareness. The daily Staff versus Student Table Tennis Challenge near C Block was a massive hit, drawing crowds every lunchtime. The rallies were fierce, the sportsmanship was excellent, and the laughter was a testament to the positive relationships we cherish in our community.
On Tuesday, the Fabulous Friends Photo Competition captured beautiful moments of connection and camaraderie from around the school. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces and creative snapshots celebrating the friendships that support us every day.
Our mid-week pastoral assembly provided a valuable opportunity for deeper reflection. Students engaged thoughtfully in pastoral activities focused on the four steps of an R U OK? conversation: Ask, Listen, Encourage Action, and Check In.
The aroma of freshly cooked pancakes filled the air on Thursday morning for our Pancakes in the bus bay. This event was the perfect way to start R U OK? Day, providing a warm and welcoming space for everyone to gather and connect before the school day began.
To round out the week, our senior students showed incredible leadership by hosting R U OK? conversations during Friday homeroom with Year 7 and 8 students. They did an outstanding job creating a safe and supportive environment, empowering their peers with the confidence to approach a friend who might be struggling.
The R U OK? Art Competition encouraged all budding artists to finalise their entries, which will serve as powerful visual reminders of this important message long after the week is over.
A sincere thank you to every student and staff member who participated and helped make our R U OK? week, such a resounding success. While the official events have concluded, the message remains. Let’s continue to look out for one another and make every day a day to ask, "Are you OK?".
Mark Coster
Leader of Student Engagement