Weekly Wellbeing - Hauora Display

Ms J Lach — September 29th, 2021

This week, we celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week by creating a display in Girton that contained a few ways in which we are able to manage our Hauora (wellbeing).

Form classes discussed and shared some of their favourite ways of looking after their spiritual, mental, social and physical hauora, which included:

Sleep
Cleaning and organising my room
Keeping lists
Going for a walk in nature
Exercise
Walking my dog
Having a shower

Year 7-13 students then shared some ideas through a Google Form survey that helped to build our Wellbeing Tree. Students reflected on the things that keep them feeling grounded (roots), help them feel strong (trunk), their personal goals (branches), and the ideas/people that keep them motivated and supported (leaves). On the outside, we put students' shared challenges as well. The Wellbeing tree allows us to look at other people’s supports, goals, challenges and strengths to show the similarities and differences that exist between everyone’s wellbeing.

Next was the self-care ideas, compliment cards and chatterbox table to inspire people to connect with one another and have meaningful kōrero around wellbeing. Sharing compliments is also a great way to connect with others through acts of kindness.

Finally, we have the ‘dos and don’ts’ when supporting a friend. Sometimes, we may wish to help someone in need of support, but don’t always know what to say or we might be very busy with our own lives. Some of the helpful phrases included:

“I don’t know what you’re going through, but I want you to know that I have your back.”
“I can’t talk right now, but I’m free later tonight.”
“I’m not sure how to help but I’m happy to listen.”
“It’s ok to take a break if you need it.”

Unfortunately, we were unable to complete the ‘gratitude’ section of the wall, but encouraged everyone to consider the things in their lives that give them strength. This can be something as simple as being thankful for the friend who listened to you after a bad day, or the apology that you received, or even the fact someone shared their glue stick with you. Thinking of at least 10 things to be thankful for every day can help remind us of the things that support our wellbeing on a regular basis.

Reflecting on the many different aspects of wellbeing, from self-care to supporting others, can improve our mental health in small yet effective ways. If you have any concerns about improving your mental health, remember to reach out to the supportive people in your life such as a family member, teacher, dean or trusted adult. You can also contact a professional who can offer more guidance, such as the suggestions below.

Our school guidance counsellors:

Neresa Hall - nhall@columbacollege.school.nz

Mary Milne- mmilne@columbacollege.school.nz

Our chaplain:

jmacleod@columbacollege.school.nz

Other support:

Youthline

https://otago.youthline.co.nz/

Free phone: 0800 37 66 33

Free txt: 234

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

https://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/