Our Wellbeing Week ties in with the national #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek. Assemblies and activities across the school have been looking at these important topics. On Monday, Head of Wellbeing Mrs McKinnon announced a number of new initiatives. Pupils can apply to become their class Wellbeing Ambassador, and there is a bingo card for them to record different mindfulness activities – with prizes, of course! As I mentioned last week, with exams for Upper School at this time of year, we are reinforcing the importance of good sleep habits, limiting screen time, and taking regular breaks from revision to walk the dog, go for a run, or bake a cake. For the current generation of adults, little consideration took place in our school days for mental health. I am delighted to report that the next generation see mental health as something that should be monitored and openly discussed as much as physical health, and that will reap rewards for them in their futures.
It is hard to believe that the halfway point in the school year is upon us! With a term and a half behind us, we have a short half and then the Summer Term ahead of us. We can all be proud of everything we have achieved so far, and look forward to the events coming up. There have been meetings this week about the forthcoming trips to France and Iceland, Upper School have been putting in their orders for their Summer Play clothing, and the end of Rugby season sees the start of Hockey season. It is a time of change; dare I suggest there have been some hints of springtime this week amidst all the chills and grey?
Half Term is a time to relax and recharge the batteries, ready for four eventful weeks to take us through to the Easter holidays. Year 7 in particular deserve a good break, having shown a mature and sensible approach to their exams this week. Year 8 need to have their Mock Exams in focus, but also need to find plenty of time for looking after their wellbeing in the ways we have discussed.
I wish you and your families a wonderful Half Term break.
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head