Moree Secondary College checks in with students for R U OK? Day 2020

Moree Secondary College students were encouraged to check in with each other and find out how they're going, as part of the school's R U OK? Day celebrations on Thursday.

With mental health issues on the rise as a result of COVID-19, particularly among young people, MSC's newly-established wellbeing team decided to step up the school's celebrations for R U OK? Day on Thursday, September 10.

"Teenagers, with all the things they have going on, and more so this year with no 18ths, no hanging out with friends, no excursions, no nothing, we've made more of a fuss for R U OK? Day this year," MSC's wellbeing head teacher Jason Auld said.

"The wellbeing team is fairly new, so we wanted to make today something. The kids haven't had that."

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Originally they were going to have external services come to the school, but with COVID-19 restrictions preventing that, the wellbeing team decided to run a number of fun activities for students to let off steam, or chill out.

Following a barbecue lunch, students had the option to pick one activity to participate in for the afternoon, such as basketball, touch football, table tennis, sumo wrestling, board games or going to the chill zone.

Members of the wellbeing team visited each group, speaking about the importance of asking 'R U OK?' and handing each student a yellow wristband which they had to give to someone and ask if they're okay.

Students were reminded that it's okay to not be okay and encouraged to seek help from the wellbeing team, teachers or staff if they need it.

Mr Auld thanked Moree Salvation Army for lending their barbecue trailer and sumo suits for the day.