Pastoral News

The Pastoral Support Post Office Box: Your Feelings Have Mail!

Ever wished you could send your worries packing? Or mail your feelings to someone who actually listens? Well, guess what—we’ve got a mailbox for that.

Introducing the Pastoral Support Post Office Box—your very own emotional express lane. Located outside the Pastoral Support Office door in the Student Services Hub, this little box isn’t just for paper. It’s for your thoughts, your feelings, your questions, your “I don’t know how to say this out loud” moments.

What’s it for?

• Help with organising your daily routines, friendships, and school life? Drop a note.
• Feeling overwhelmed? Drop a note.
• Need help but don’t want to ask in front of others? Drop a note.
• Want to share something kind, weird, wonderful, or worrying? Drop a note.

Whether it’s a scribbled sentence, a doodle, a full-blown letter, or even a folded-up emoji (yes, we’ve seen it), your message will be read with care, confidentiality, and compassion.

Is it private? - Absolutely. Your note goes straight to the Pastoral Support Officer (that’s me, Mrs Hunt!), and no one else. Everything is handled with kindness and discretion.

Why bother? - Because sometimes, writing things down helps. Because you deserve support. And because even superheroes need someone to talk to (yes, even Batman).

How to use it:

1. Grab a slip from the nearby stack or use your own paper.
2. Write what’s on your mind—big or small.
3. Fold it up and pop it in the box.
4. That’s it. You've taken the first step.

You can even sign your name if you’d like a follow-up, or stay anonymous if that feels safer.

So next time your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open, remember: the Pastoral Support Post Office Box is here. No stamp required—just your thoughts, your heart, and a little courage.

Stay kind, stay curious, and keep writing!

R U OK? Day – A Conversation That Could Change a Life

Thursday, 11 September, is R U OK? Day—a national reminder that a simple question can make a powerful difference. Here at Holy Spirit College, we believe that care and connection shouldn’t be reserved for just one day. This year’s theme—“Ask R U OK? Any Day”—encourages us to make meaningful conversations part of our everyday lives.

Why It Matters

Mental health doesn’t always come with visible signs. Sometimes, the strongest smiles hide the deepest struggles. Whether it’s a student feeling overwhelmed, a colleague quietly battling stress, or a friend withdrawing from social circles, checking in can be the lifeline they didn’t know they needed.

Research shows that 88% of people feel supported and grateful when someone asks how they’re really going. You don’t need to be an expert—you just need to be present, listen without judgment, and show you care.

How to Ask R U OK?

Start with curiosity and kindness:

• “I’ve noticed you’ve been a bit quiet lately. Are you OK?”
• “You seemed a little off today—want to talk about it?”
• “I’m here if you ever need to chat.”

And if someone says they’re not OK? Stay with them. Listen. Encourage them to seek support. You can also point them to resources like the R U OK? website for guidance.

What We Are Doing at School

The Pastoral Support Post Office – a safe space for students to drop notes, questions, or concerns. Because sometimes, writing it down is the first step toward opening up.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

R U OK? Day is a beautiful reminder, but the real magic happens when we carry that spirit into every day. Let’s be the kind of community that notices, listens, and shows up. Because connection isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement.

Warm regards

Carla Hunt - Pastoral Support Officer