COBDEN Technical School counsellor Julie White-Richardson says gratitude can often be found by focusing on the positives in people's lives.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The school has won a statewide award for its approach in supporting staff and student's mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms White-Richardson created the Gratitude Corner which has become home to a Gratitude Tree and positive image gallery wall in an effort to create a positive mindset among students and staff.
The Gratitude Tree provided an opportunity for students to write hand-written notes on leaves sharing their thoughts and perspectives on what they were grateful for, no matter how big or small.
The tree was surrounded by the backdrop of a positive image wall, which showcased the many happy moments students and staff have had together over the years.
"Our Gratitude Corner helped students focus on the positive aspects of their lives and thereby balanced out the stressors they carried," she said.
School captain Ingrid Bellman said the Gratitude Corner was a way for students to express what they were grateful for, especially during such a challenging year.
"Walking past and seeing the Gratitude Tree get greener as more students expressed their gratitude was a wonderful thing to witness," she said.
"I thought it was such a bright and positive way to show that everyone has something to be grateful for."
Ms White-Richardson said for some students remote learning had been a challenging and stressful experience and for others it had provided more flexibility.
Listen to the latest episode of our weekly episode The Booletin and Beyond:
"Parents have also been asked to put on a hat they didn't ask for," she said. "But we've all kept a look out for each other."
The Healthy Schools Achievement Program, supported by the state government and delivered by Cancer Council Victoria invited schools to share how they were supporting students' health and well-being, while delivering flexible learning.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
