Strong Start

Strong Start is our theme for the Queensland Mental Health Week. This explicit focus will foreground evidence-based and data-informed strategies and supports that are linked to thinking, doing and being decisions that can be activated in the morning, and can positively impact wellbeing, set up learning and create a sense of belonging. The secondary focus is linking with internal multidisciplinary teams and external community organisations and services.

The Strong Start Expo will cover many topics such as; hydration, breakfast, exercise, connection with others, connecting with nature and having fun. It will be held at The Market Square over three mornings (8-8:45am) during the Queensland Mental Health Week.

It will also include;

• A variety of ‘pop up’ stalls that will represent different before school initiatives and community. These ‘pop up’ stalls will provide information about what students can do before school starts to foster positive mental health
• Supporting this initiative will be the school’s wellbeing, engagement and inclusion multidisciplinary teams that will highlight the connection between a Strong Start and engaging with learning and others with success 
• Breakfast and water bottles
• Gratitude Thank you Cards and Affirmation Cards
• Physical activities such as a gym exercise, cornhole, and handball competitions (handballs – giveaways)
• Students will have the opportunity to write an application of how winning a bike would improve their ability to ride to school and this could improve their Strong Start to learning and connecting to the school community. Four bikes, helmets and bike locks will be given away as prizes.

The Strong Start Expo intends to have a positive impact on student mental health that transcends into the term and beyond.