Student Well-being
“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times
I fell down and got back up again.”
~ Nelson Mandela
Welcome to the end of Week 4! Time is certainly moving quickly as we approach the end of the school year — a period full of change, reflection, and new beginnings. For many of our students, this means saying goodbye to familiar faces, classrooms, and routines, and looking ahead to exciting new adventures — whether it’s moving on from SCC, transitioning to secondary school, or simply preparing for a new year of learning and growth.
As we navigate these changes, our focus for our Wellbeing news this week is on Resilience — the strength to adapt, persevere, and bounce back when things feel challenging. Building resilience helps our children approach change with confidence and optimism, knowing that every ending also brings a new beginning. Together, let’s continue to encourage courage, kindness, and self-belief in every child.
Resilience is the ability to cope with challenges, adapt to change, and bounce back from difficult experiences. For children, developing resilience is vital as they navigate common challenges such as starting a new school, moving house, managing friendships, facing tests, or dealing with family changes. Each time a child overcomes an obstacle, they build confidence, learn valuable coping skills, and develop the perseverance needed to handle future difficulties.
Parents and caregivers play a key role in nurturing resilience. It is important to support children without solving every problem for them. For example, if a child feels left out or disappointed, rather than fixing the situation, parents can talk with them about their feelings and guide them to find ways to cope. Allowing children to experience small failures — such as handing in incorrect homework or managing a broken toy — helps them develop independence and problem-solving skills, preparing them for larger challenges later in life.
Encouraging children to express and manage strong emotions is another crucial part of building resilience. When a child feels worried or upset, acknowledging their feelings teaches emotional awareness and helps them feel understood. Praising effort rather than outcome encourages persistence, showing children that trying again is valuable even when they don’t succeed the first time.
Self-compassion also strengthens resilience by helping children respond kindly to themselves during moments of disappointment or failure. A child who can accept mistakes without harsh self-criticism is more likely to recover and keep moving forward. Finally, creating positive family routines — such as sharing one good thing from the day during dinner — helps reinforce optimism and a sense of connection.
By fostering resilience, parents equip children with lifelong skills to face difficulties, adapt to change, and approach challenges with confidence, optimism, and emotional strength.
Have a great weekend everyone.
Mrs Kerry Browne
Student Well-being Coordinator