R U OK?

On September 11, we recognised R U OK? Day—a day that reminds us to pause, check in, and ask the simple but powerful question: R U OK? In our often complicated and busy world, it is vital to slow down, notice how others are going, listen with care, and encourage seeking help when needed.

For many young people, factors such as academic pressure, relationships, friendships, social media, family dynamics, and societal expectations can build up and impact their mental health.

It's therefore crucial in partnership, that we take action early, remove the stigma around discussing mental health, and offer accessible support to address these issues and the wellbeing of our young people.

In this week’s special addition on SchoolTV, it provides guidance on how to talk to young people about mental health and engage in meaningful discussions.

Read the special R U OK? Day report here

As a Heart school, united in our OLSH spirit, let’s promote compassion and work together to give our young people a safe space to express themselves and a place they will be listened to without judgment. Let us always remember that every day is a day to ask, ‘R U OK?’

Ms Dina Oro
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Four students and two teachers participated  in OLSH Links last week, our annual connection with OLSH Enfield and OLSH Kensington colleges, where the students celebrate Feast Day together. This year's OLSH Links was hosted by OLSH Enfield in Adelaide and was attended by Imogen, Ava, Cassy and Zoe. Here are their reflections. 

"The OLSH Links immersion was an incredible experience and one I feel so grateful to have gone on. For me, it was a great opportunity to make new friends, explore a new place, and get to know the other OLSH schools as well as my own. It was really interesting to see how we differed in our traditions and diversity to OLSH Enfield and Kensington, and the same spirit we all shared. For example, we all share the same OLSH pillars, however the songs we sing and activities we do on Feast Day are completely different! On Friday, Feast Day, we shared a beautiful mass, which was followed by an amazing talent show!

Adelaide is a beautiful city, and throughout our time there we got to explore Rundle Mall, the Central Market, participate in a fun Hijinx Hotel experience, have a yummy dinner together and, of course, see what it's like to attend OLSH Enfield. Over the course of just a few days, all of us OLSHies became amazing friends, which I think is a testament to our shared connection with the OLSH spirit.

We are all so grateful for everyone who made this possible. It was a super fun and inspiring experience, and something I would recommend everyone apply for!" - Imogen

"The OLSH links trip to Adelaide was such a valuable experience because it brought together many OLSH students from the Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, allowing us to build connections and friendships. I am so grateful that I got the be a part of this experience and travel to Adelaide with the other girls from my school and meet girls from the other schools.

When spending time with the girls I hadn’t met before gave me the chance to step outside of my comfort zone and really get to know new people. My favourite and most rewarding part of this experience was the afternoon we had to explore the Adelaide Central Market. Walking around with the new girls I had met, seeing and doing different things, and sharing laughs made me feel like we had known each other for ages. 

It was such a fun way to bond and made me realised how quickly real friendships can form when you share experiences. Overall, the trip didn’t just bring me to Adelaide, it showed me how special it is to connect and grow closer with people from all three schools." - Cassy

"I was lucky enough to be selected for the OLSH Links Adelaide immersion and I am so incredibly proud that I applied to be a part of such a rewarding experience. When we first arrived at OLSH Adelaide, we were welcomed by smiling faces and the reminder that all three OLSH schools across the nation, have the same four pillars as the cornerstone of catholic education. Meeting new people from varying backgrounds and faiths was inspiring, as it is a true testament to our combined OLSH spirit. In addition, after the school day ended, we were fortunate enough to spend dinner with the OLSH Sydney girls, where we continued to foster new relationships and an innate sense of belonging to a wider community than our own school.

On the day of Sacred Heart Day, we were immersed in a new way of celebrating, highlighting our similarities in liturgy such as “Shine Jesus shine” a song often sung at school masses. An interesting fact I found out was that OLSH Bentleigh is the only school across the nation, which runs a carnival after mass to raise money for OLSH missions abroad. I believe this is what makes us unique and sets us apart from the other schools. These reasons all contribute to my immense sense of pride in being an OLSH girl who goes to school in Bentleigh, Melbourne. Although all three OLSH schools have vast differences in education and opportunities, at the end of the day each school shares a common understanding of love and compassion, stemming from our founder Jules Chevalier." - Ava