Wellbeing Words

Mindfulness and Breathing Techniques for the Classroom

As students prepare for Year 9 Common Testing in Week 9 of this term and Year 10 examinations next term, developing healthy ways to manage stress and maintain focus is an important part of preparing for success.

Assessment periods can bring increased pressure, racing thoughts or feelings of uncertainty. While some stress is a normal part of challenging ourselves, learning how to recognise and manage these feelings can help students approach assessment with greater calm, confidence and control.

Mindfulness and breathing techniques are simple, practical strategies students can use anytime and anywhere. Taking a few moments to pause, slow the breath and refocus attention can help settle the body and mind, improve concentration and make challenging moments feel more manageable.

The key is to practise these strategies before they are needed. Just as students prepare academically for an assessment, practising mindfulness and breathing regularly can help build the skills and confidence to use them when pressure increases. Regular mindfulness practice can support emotional regulation, reduce stress and improve the ability to refocus when distractions arise.

We encourage students to find a strategy that works for them and make it part of their everyday routine. This might be taking a few slow breaths before beginning an assessment, pausing when they notice themselves becoming overwhelmed, or spending a few minutes each day practising mindfulness.

A simple reminder for students: Pause. Breathe. Refocus. Begin.

These small moments can make a meaningful difference and help students approach upcoming assessments with a greater sense of calm, confidence and resilience.

Useful Resources

Beyond Blue – Relaxation Exercises:

Guided breathing, mindfulness and relaxation exercises

School TV:

https://mountcarmel.tas.schooltv.me/newsletter-external-resource/headspace-guided-meditation

Ask R U OK? Any Day

On Thursday 10 September, our College community will be discussing R U OK? Day, a national day reminding us of the importance of meaningful connection and checking in with those around us.

We all experience ups and downs, and sometimes a simple conversation can make a real difference. If you notice that a friend, classmate or family member does not seem quite themselves, take a moment to ask, “Are you OK?”

R U OK? encourages us to: Ask. Listen. Encourage action. Check in.

You do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes the most important thing we can do is listen, show that we care and help someone connect with a trusted adult or appropriate support.

Most importantly, R U OK? is not just for one day. Keep checking in with the people around you throughout the year. Ask the question. Take the time to listen. Let someone know they matter.

Learn more and access resources at R U OK?.