Belmont High to host R U OK Day basketball match

STAFF and students from Belmont High School will take to the court for some friendly competition next month to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

The 15th edition of the much-anticipated staff vs students basketball match will be held on September 12 in conjunction with R U OK Day.

The event will aim to inspire students, teachers and the wider community to check in on one another and have conversations to help others through difficult times.

Belmont High School health and physical education teacher Chad McLauchlan has been behind the event for 15 years.

He said the match fostered great relationships and promoted friendly competition and respect.

“The sporting alumni and passion that teachers have at the school have really helped create a legacy and culture the school is now known for,” he said.

“Our school has always had a strong culture and particularly values the importance of relationships and ensuring students feel safe and supported.

“I’m really happy this year that we will be including R U OK Day; our school alongside all the other schools understands the importance of having conversations and looking after our mental health and wellbeing.

“Building strong relationships between staff and students is crucial in creating a positive and supportive school environment.”

The latest Connecting Young Australians research by Youth Insight found seven in 10 Australians aged 12-25 do not ask for help when they are experiencing a difficult time.

However, a similar 70 per cent are willing to engage in meaningful conversations with a close friend and prefer to have these conversations in person.

“Having taught at Belmont High School for the past 15 years, I’ve had lots of students confide in me about mental health concerns they might be having,” Mr McLauchlan said.

“That’s why it’s important for us to continue advocating speaking up, have the conversations and check in with one another.”

Despite running for 14 years already, the staff at Belmont High School are yet to win a match against the students.

“This year is definitely the year,” McLauchlan said, laughing.

The staff women vs senior girls match will be played from 12.50pm to 1.10pm.

The staff men vs senior boys will follow from 1.10pm to 1.30pm.