Day 1 of HPE week continued the project of "Rise Every Day Mentally Stronger" with two mindfulness sessions - one before school for staff and students and one in the Rock and Water program led by a Year 12 Health student. Lunch 1 saw "Challenge the teacher Competition 1" where students attempted to score more free throws in a row than the designated teacher. No student was able to complete the challenge, however a prize pack was awarded to the highest scoring student.

Day 2 began with a guided meditation session before school, perfect for teachers and students entering an assessment period. The beat the teacher challenge at first break was a tough fitness challenge. Mr Maccan represented the teachers and after a quick warm up completed 74 frog squats in 60 seconds. This high number presented such a challenge to the students that for a few minutes no-one stepped up. Eventually some students braved the pain and pushed their maximum effort. The top senior school male was Ryan with 66 frog squats in 60 seconds. The top senior female was Cypress with 29, and the top junior male was Jack, beating Mr Maccan by one rep, completing 75. All three students earned a prize pack for their effort, with Jack also receiving a canteen voucher. Well done to all.

Day 3 was focussed on building mental strength. Three sessions were conducted;

1. Stories of resilience – ex PBC students on a recovery journey from eating disorders and mental health concerns spoke with the year 11 Health class exploring strategies to build resilience.
2. Battling stigma – an open lunch session attended by teachers and students exploring the power of stigma and the power of relationships to break stigma. Supported by the ex PBC students on a recovery journey.
3. Advice for parents to support building mental strength - a free session for parents where a panel of experts offered advice on strategies and resources to develop mental strength of their children. The panel of experts included Headspace staff, school based youth health nurse, guidance officer, dean of students and 4 parents of students who have experienced mental health concerns whilst at school.

Day 4 had only one activity - challenge the teacher at football goal scoring. This event proved to be the most popular thus far with a number of staff and student competitors. Congratulations to Amalia who was the only student to equal Mr Morley’s score.

The final day saw students submitting the welfare treasure hunt forms for the Year 7s. Our beat the teacher challenge was all about the short game in golf with a chipping contest against Mr Davis. Congratulations to Finn for achieving the highest male score, and Cypress for achieving the highest female score. Neither scores could beat Mr Davis so no canteen vouchers won

Shane Roberts
HOD HPE