Our students continue to impress me with their willingness to support others and raise awareness of important matters and initiatives. Recently, our student led SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY initiative which included a Saturday community carwash highlighted that life can be full of challenges, both big and small and that it is okay not to be okay. What matters most is knowing that you are not alone and that there is always someone ready to listen and support you. As highlighted through our student Assembly presentations, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
We know that bottling up emotions can often lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. However, by sharing what you are going through with a trusted person, whether it be a teacher, mentor, counsellor, friend, family member or an external support organisation such as Kids Helpline, you open the door to support, understanding and practical strategies to help you manage and overcome the situation.
At Scotch Oakburn College, we are fortunate to have a caring and compassionate community of staff who are committed to student wellbeing. They are always willing to listen without judgement and to help guide you towards the right support networks. We encourage all members of our community, students and staff alike to prioritise their mental health, speak up when things are tough, and to check in on others. It is through these small but powerful actions that we continue to build a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Thank you to our Year 12 student executive who have been extremely proactive all year and continue to raise awareness on many important matters and issues. I hope they and all of our community have an opportunity to have some downtime and prioritise wellbeing over the upcoming break.
Ross Patterson
Principal
