Aidan Curtis
A PENOLA student is leading discussions around mental health following a day of action to highlight the importance of speaking up.
Penola High School Year 12 student Reese turned the school yellow and black on Wednesday, September 13, ahead of national R U OK? Day.
This was Reese’s second day of action at the school, having held one for Autism Awareness Day back in June.
Both days came as part of Reese’s health and wellbeing studies, and she said R U OK? Day was another event that holds personal significance for her.
“The reason I chose R U OK? Day is because I have a past with serious mental health, and still do at points,” she said.
“Being someone that got bullied and had that experience and feeling that you’re not good enough … it’s basically just saying it’s ok to speak up.
“It’s ok to feel the way you feel and it’s asking your mates or your friends, so that if you aren’t ok, you can talk.”
Reese presented to her peers during an assembly on the day and highlighted some important messages for other students to take away.
“I think it’s important for kids at school to speak up because it’s not ok to be bullied,” she said.
“You don’t want to keep going through that by yourself because that can really mess with your head.”
Penola High School health and wellbeing teachers Olivia Jaeschke and Jessie Cope were both exceptionally proud of Reese’s efforts and the positive messages she was spreading.
“As a role model, not just for herself and developing her skills, but other students seeing what’s possible, I think that’s really important,” Ms Jaeschke said.
“This time of the year, it’s especially important, and I think this is probably the most emphasis we’ve had for a few years on the day.
“This morning [Wednesday] at assembly, Reese had a video explaining steps and tips on actually how to ask someone and set the environment and questions.”
Ms Cope added that it was great to have students like Reese stepping up and leading important initiatives.
“I think it’s amazing to have something that’s student led, a student driving it and wanting to see that promotion around health and wellbeing,” she said.
“I’m really proud of her, I’m incredibly proud of everything that Reese has done.”
National R U OK? Day was held on Thursday, September 14.
For anyone struggling with their mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
