The sun was shining brightly as Albany Senior High School came together to celebrate R U OK? Day, a national initiative that encourages meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing. The campaign aims to empower individuals to recognise when someone might be struggling, build confidence to ask the question, and connect them with support when needed.

Our school embraced the spirit of the day with a range of uplifting activities. The morning began with vibrant chalk art created by students and staff, spreading positive messages throughout the school and reminding everyone to “Ask the question?” The colourful artwork encouraged kindness, connection, and a sense of community.

During Kooinda, students engaged with an educational PowerPoint presentation and participated in a special classroom activity focused on the campaign’s message. Staff enjoyed a delightful morning tea, and a prize was awarded to the best-dressed staff member in the campaign’s signature colour, yellow, in all its shades!

Mr Arnold’s talented pop band students performed during both breaks, adding energy and joy to the day. At Break 2, our Year 10 and 11 Student Leaders as well as the Year 12 Prefects helped run a variety of fun activities, including:

• Free mini Milos
• Face and nail painting
• The Buddy Challenge, where students teamed up with a friend to complete challenges and enter a prize draw featuring bucket hats, lolly jars, oodies, LEGO sets, and colourful socks.

The highlight of the day was the Break 2 Wellbeing Expo held in the Canteen. Local mental health and wellbeing services from across the Great Southern region provided resources, giveaways, and information tailored for teenagers and young people. It was heartening to see so many students engaging with the services, and excited to receive some great freebies!

R U OK? Day was a truly positive celebration of connection, belonging, and support. Most importantly, it reminded us all of the power of a simple question: “R U OK?”