Wellbeing

Term four has started and most of our students have taken to the field like true athletes with their return to the classroom. I have been struck by how effortless and graceful the students have resumed their learning, making the challenging, in moments of pandemonium look easy! However, these moments of hubris do not always prevail, and it is important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic has put us all under sustained stress for nearly two years. It would be incognisant of me to assume that all of us are seamlessly transitioning back into the world we once knew, as the future is now different. We all fall somewhere on the spectrum from relaxed to anxious and we all possess different vulnerabilities and strengths that we carry with us. The fact is that for all of us, students, teachers, and parents alike, this is hard and challenging work, and we at KWS recognise this. If the pandemic has taught us anything it is how important human connection is. So please, if your child is struggling and requires support, remember that we are here to help. Reach out to your student’s mentor who can assist to bridge connections and offer pastoral care support. 

The Head Mentors have been working on increasing connection between their students and mentors during Wellbeing Lessons. This has taken the form of a Welcome Back to school House Meeting, re—igniting peer to peer and student to mentor relationships and catching up on where people are at post lockdown. We are hoping to settle the students back into a productive routine as soon as possible and to reinstate strong relationships. To this end the Wellbeing week at this stage looks like:

Monday-  A time to check in before the week starts. Check diaries, and plan for upcoming assessments and homework. Make sure that uniform is up to scratch, starting the week on a positive note. This is also a time to discuss the challenges presented in the previous week.

Tuesday- A time devoted to the on-going Wellbeing education program. This term we focus on the key tenet of Empathy. Mentors will be providing a range of activities to promote discussion and thought about this topic.

Wednesday-  This will be time given over to either a House meeting or a chapel service, depending on the week. During House Meetings, student achievements will be recognised within the House and the Student Leadership Team will have an opportunity to address the House, sharing their insights and experience.

Thursday-  Building connection and a sense of ‘belonging’ off the back of remote learning is extremely important for a successful return to school for our students. Thursday’s will all be about building connection through a series of fun challenges designed by Heads of Houses. 

Friday- 

Feel Good Friday is a time for individual Mentors to provide activities and challenges for their own group. This may range from yoga and card games to outdoor handball or even some strategic baking. 

These few photos show the variety of ways our students are enjoying being back together during Wellbeing. Long may it last!

Year 10 Richards playing ‘Finska’

Year 8 Richards playing ‘Werewolf’.