Exciting Wellbeing News: A New Chapter!
After eight rewarding years as the Student Wellbeing Coordinator at Auburn High School, it’s time for me to say goodbye to that role. But don’t worry, I’m not going far!
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be stepping into the role of Mental Health Practitioner while Claire is on family leave. What does this mean for the wellbeing team? It means I’ll now be working under Fiona Adams in her new role as Student Wellbeing Coordinator, and joining Riva and Emily in the F4 office as part of our wonderful multidisciplinary team.
I will continue to support students I already work with in an ongoing capacity and will also be available for new referrals where needed. In addition to individual support, I’ll be running small group programs and leading whole-school mental health promotion initiatives. such as Body Kind August and Wear it Purple Day (more on those later).
I’m excited about this new chapter and the chance to continue supporting the wellbeing of our school community in a slightly different way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions, I am available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Kind regards, Leah Rintoule
Mental Health Practitioner
AHS WELLBEING TEAM:

The power of Connection 🌍🤝💬
As we move through Loneliness Awareness Week Australia (4–10 August 2025), it’s a timely moment to reflect on the power of genuine connection—and how small, meaningful moments can have a lasting impact on our emotional wellbeing.
Just last week, we acknowledged International Friendship Day (30 July), a day that celebrates the joy, comfort, and strength that friendships bring to our lives. Whether it’s a lifelong companion or a new connection, friendships remind us that we are not alone. And while the official day may have passed, the spirit of friendship is something we can carry with us every day.
This year’s Loneliness Awareness Week theme—MomentsMatter—echoes that same message. A kind word, an unexpected message, a shared laugh—these seemingly small interactions can be powerful antidotes to loneliness, especially for young people navigating an increasingly digital and disconnected world. It’s not just about being around others; it’s about feeling seen, valued, and emotionally present.
In Australia, 1 in 3 adults report feeling lonely, and 1 in 4 experience it regularly. These feelings are more than just passing emotions—they can have a real impact on our physical health, productivity, and mental wellbeing. But there is hope: studies show that having just five supportive friendships can make a profound difference.
To celebrate the spirit of connection, our Student Leaders are hosting a special event this Thursday 8 August at lunchtime! Join us-
🎨 Make a friendship bracelet for yourself or someone you care about
🍞 Enjoy some colourful fairy bread with your mates
💬 Drop by, chat, and connect—everyone’s welcome!
💛 Sometimes, the Smallest Gesture Can Have the Biggest Impact
Reach out to someone: Think of a friend, classmate, or even someone you haven’t connected with in a while. A quick message, a simple “Hey, want to come to the event on Thursday?” or even sitting together at lunch can mean more than you realise—to them and to you.
Create space for connection: Whether it’s inviting someone to make a friendship bracelet with you, share some fairy bread, or just join in on the lunchtime buzz this Thursday 8 August, your small effort might be exactly what someone needs to feel seen and included.
Be consistent, not perfect: You don’t have to say the perfect thing or have deep conversations all the time. Just showing up, reaching out, or checking in regularly—once a week, even—can make a real difference in helping someone feel valued and connected.
We know that starting a conversation—especially after some time apart—can feel a little awkward. But it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we’re sharing this helpful Conversation Starters guide below, full of easy, thoughtful prompts to help you connect. 👇 Try one this week—who knows where a simple “Hey, how’s your day going?” might lead.

Auburn High School is celebrating BodyKind August
This August, Auburn High School will join hundreds of schools across Australia in promoting positive body image through BodyKind August, an initiative of the Butterfly Foundation, Australia’s national charity for eating disorders and body image.
BodyKind August encourages young people, their families, and communities to:
- Be kind to their own bodies in the way they speak about, nourish, move, and care for their body.
- Be kind to others both online and in person, showing respect for all body types.
- Celebrate and embrace body diversity, recognising and valuing the differences that make us unique.
BodyKind acknowledges that it isn’t always easy to like or love our bodies, so instead, it promotes kindness as a more achievable and inclusive goal. The initiative offers strength-based, evidence-informed resources designed for schools, families, and sporting clubs. Importantly, the content focuses on positive body image and does not include discussions of eating disorders.
At Auburn High School, we will be participating in BodyKind August by introducing BodyKind into Tutor Group activities and curriculum, encouraging discussions, poster displays, etc. using the materials provided by the Butterfly Foundation.
Research continues to show that how young people feel about their bodies has a significant impact on their physical health and mental wellbeing. By participating in BodyKind August, Auburn High School is helping to create a kinder, more inclusive culture for everyone, and encouraging families and sporting communities to do the same.
To learn more and to access parent resources, visit: www.butterfly.org.au/bodykinda

Get Ready for Wear It Purple Day – Friday 29 August 2025!
At Auburn High School, Diversity is more than just a value—it’s a celebration of who we are. That’s why we’re proud to once again take part in Wear It Purple Day on Friday 29 August 2025—a national day of support for LGBTIQA+ youth and a powerful reminder that every student deserves to feel safe, seen and celebrated.
This year’s theme, “Bold Voices, Bright Futures”, honours the strength, courage, and creativity of LGBTQIA+ youth as they unapologetically strive toward their dreams in every area of life including art, science, sport, leadership, and beyond.
💜 Here’s what’s happening at AHS:
- 🌈 Purple-Themed Bake Sale – All proceeds go to Wear It Purple, supporting inclusive youth initiatives
💅 Nail Painting Station – A small gesture with big meaning, symbolising allyship and visibility - 🎨 Rainbow & Purple accessories – Get decked out in colour to show your support (pins and wristbands will be sold all week!)
Now’s the time to start prepping your purple gear! Socks, hair ties, badges, glitter, scarves, flags, etc. — whatever helps you show that at AHS, everyone belongs.
Want to help organise the day?
Whether or not you are a member of student leadership your voice matters so if you’ve got an idea for an activity, would like to run a stall, or want to help out on the day, come and speak to the Wellbeing Team or your Year Level Leader by Week 5
Let’s celebrate bold voices and build bright futures and work together to make this the biggest and brightest Wear It Purple Day yet!. 💜🌈 To learn more about the campaign or how to be an effective ally, visit wearitpurple.org

Kindest Regards,
The Wellbeing Team