Mental Health is something that is often overlooked in our busy lives, so the Student Wellbeing Committee made a huge effort this year to run our school's Mental Health Awareness Week. Student Grace Tilley reports.

Hosted in the final week of Term 3, it seemed like the perfect time to organise fun events for our school as assessments begin to end and exams are just round the corner for seniors.

On Tuesday Ms Huaki-Feaver kindly offered to run a yoga session in Te Manawa. This involved some relaxing stretching and mindfulness time, followed by healthy drinks afterwards. It was awesome to see people getting involved and trying something that may be outside of their comfort zone, and it certainly was a way to brighten our day!

Thursday was the Walk for Mental Health where over 250 students and staff participated in walking down the riverbank track to improve their mental health. Along the way the Wellbeing Committee were holding signs with motivational quotes and messages on them, and there was a free sausage sizzle at the end for everyone who participated. Prizes were also handed out for people who completed the walk as a three-legged-race, and 9BW won a Chip Buttie lunch to enjoy in Term 4 for having the most participants from their Ako Class.

Friday was a free non-uniform day and the annual colour run - an event that is always thoroughly enjoyed by all. Participants were encouraged to wear white clothing and run around an obstacle course, all while colourful powder was being thrown at them. This resulted in lots of rainbow coloured students, who were also able to enjoy the fizzy drinks station, and colourful nail polish at the end. Well done to everyone who got involved!

We hope that everyone who participated felt a little more relaxed, energised, or even just happier afterwards. Thank you to the Wellbeing Committee for making this happen!