Today marked R U OK? Day, a national reminder to check in with those around us and foster meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing. To acknowledge this important event, two of our Year 6 students, Nathan B and Emilie R, were invited by Ash Manuel, founder of Growing with Gratitude, to take part in the 6th annual World’s Biggest Gratitude Lesson, hosted at the Department for Education in Adelaide.

This global initiative brought together 41 countries and 290 schools online to reflect on the power of gratitude.

Before the online lesson began, South Australia’s Minister for Education, Blair Boyer, joined participants to offer his support and encouragement. He congratulated the students for playing an important role in spreading gratitude and reminded them of the impact their efforts can have.

One of the highlights of the event was the session led by Taryn Brumfitt from The Embrace Collective. Taryn encouraged students to appreciate their bodies—not for how they look, but for what they do. She reminded everyone that when we take care of our bodies, we are healthier, stronger, and better able to thrive.

To put this into practice, students around the world—including Nathan and Emilie—participated in an activity called the “Postcard to My Body.” This involved writing a note of gratitude to themselves, recognising the everyday functions that make life meaningful. Examples included:

• I’m grateful for my arms that allowed me to hug my children goodbye this morning.

• I appreciate my legs that help me dance and ears that help me listen to my favourite music.

• I am thankful for my brain, which allows me to learn and be creative.

• I am grateful for my eyes that let me see our beautiful world.

The event gained wide recognition, with Channel 9 News capturing the occasion. Nathan and Emilie were interviewed and featured in the evening news bulletin at 4pm, sharing their insights on gratitude with a broader audience. For those who missed the segment, it is also available on the 9Now app.

As part of both R U OK? Day and the World’s Biggest Gratitude Lesson, our students were reminded that gratitude is a powerful tool for wellbeing. Even through life’s challenges, there is always something to be grateful for. Practising gratitude not only helps us feel more positive, but also strengthens our ability to connect with others and support them.

Today’s experiences left us all with an important reflection: Gratitude isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we practise every day.