R U OK? Day
MS LAURA BERNASCONI, HEAD OF FACULTY - PDHPE
R U OK? Day is an important opportunity to remind our students that meaningful connections and genuine conversations can make a significant difference for someone who may be experiencing a difficult time. The 2026 theme, “Ask R U OK? Any Day”, encourages us to recognise that checking in with others is something we can do every day, not just on R U OK? Day.
As part of their current The Mind Matters unit, Year 10 PDHPE students participated in a lesson focused on recognising signs that someone may not be travelling well and developing the confidence and skills to start a meaningful conversation. Students explored behavioural changes that may indicate someone is struggling and discussed practical ways to approach a friend, ask how they are going, listen actively and provide support.
Students then put these skills into practice through a series of conversation activities. Using conversation starter cards, they moved around the room and initiated conversations with their classmates. Questions such as “What would be your dream job?” and “What is your favourite sport to watch?” provided a simple and light-hearted way to build connections while demonstrating how everyday conversations can lead to deeper and more meaningful discussions.
To reinforce the message that taking a moment to connect can happen anywhere and at any time, students were also given a Kit Kat as part of the “Chat with a Kit Kat” theme. This provided a fun and memorable way to encourage students to take a break, connect with someone and make time for a conversation.
The lesson concluded with students reflecting on the importance of recognising when others may need support and considering how initiating a conversation could positively impact someone's life. As part of this reflection, students completed RUOK? conversation cards, which have now been displayed in Wingaru outside the PDHPE Staffroom and More House area.
The display serves as a visual reminder that looking out for one another does not always require a big gesture. Sometimes, it starts with simply noticing, asking and taking the time to listen.
