Gosnells Primary School used R U OK? Day to show students that looking after their wellbeing can be as simple as talking, spending time with others or doing something they enjoy.
Students took part in the school’s annual wellbeing expo on Thursday, with activities including animal petting, karaoke, drawing, meditation, face painting and gratitude sharing.
Classes attended the expo from 2pm before it opened to parents and families later in the afternoon.
Principal Scott Tapper said the aim was to remind students and families that wellbeing should be considered throughout the year, rather than on one particular day.
“This expo is about reminding people that while we are talking about it a lot today, we should be continuing that conversation every day of the year,” Mr Tapper said.
He said the different activities were intended to show children that looking after their wellbeing did not have to be complicated.
“We’re trying to show people that these simple activities are things that anyone can do at home to actually help and support their wellbeing,” he said.
“It’s about time, quality time together.”
The school also used the expo to connect families with organisations that provide support in the wider community.
Mr Tapper said Gosnells Primary worked with organisations including Mission Australia, Real Life Church, SecondBite and the local Child and Parent Centre.
Support available through the school during the year includes a chaplain, Aboriginal education officer, student support officer, child psychologist and student services deputy.
The school also runs a daily breakfast program and provides food hampers to families experiencing hardship.
Mr Tapper said families could also be referred to counselling and other community services, while the school sometimes provided letters of support to families dealing with housing difficulties.
“We want to support everyone, not just the child,” he said.
“If the parent is not feeling the best and not coping, they’re not going to be able to support their child.”
Students also have access to lunchtime clubs throughout the week, with activities based on suggestions from the children.
Clubs have included arts and crafts, friendship groups, karaoke, sport, drama, creative writing, Minecraft and chess.
Mr Tapper said the school held student forums each term, allowing children to suggest and vote on activities they would like to see introduced.
About 450 students attend Gosnells Primary School, with Mr Tapper saying 62 percent of the school community came from another country.
The school has an English as an additional language coordinator who works with students experiencing language barriers, as well as a learning support coordinator.
Mr Tapper said one of the messages he hoped families would take from the wellbeing expo was the importance of making time for each other.
“Human connection is the most important thing,” he said.
“My message to parents is, you only have one life together, and you only have one opportunity to be with your child really all the time. So, make the most of that.”
