We are very much aware that pupils (and their families) are, once again, under immense strain as we enter another period of lockdown. On Tuesday in our first whole school assembly of the term Mr Brown, Deputy Head Pastoral spoke to pupils about looking after themselves and those around them.
He reminded them that we are a 'kind school' where everyone looks out for each other and where we think before we say or do anything. In the Autumn Term we ran a kindness poster campaign, with the winning poster displayed in every classroom.
He said: "Now more than ever we need to look after ourselves and those around us. Remember, you do not know what the person next to you is experiencing, you must be compassionate whether this is in the virtual or real world."
In addition to being a kind school we will also continue to strive to be a 'talking school' where we share our concerns and talk openly about what troubles us. With this in mind, on Friday Mr Brown will be resending our mood tracker to all pupils. This gives them the opportunity to tell us discreetly how they are feeling. During assembly, pupils were encouraged not to be afraid to ask for help, this can still be done remotely either through emailing in, via google meet, with tutors or even during lessons.
There are some fantastic websites out there with a wealth of information and tips on looking after yourselves, particularly during stressful situations. The Mental Health Foundation website is the top of Mr Brown's list and he will be asking tutors to focus on the material in their pack on New Year's resolutions over the coming weeks during tutor time. Many people will have broken their New Year's resolution within two weeks of making them, which is why at difficult times like now we need to cut ourselves some slack and set ourselves some realistic resolutions so we are not overwhelmed by the pressure or disappointed if we break them.
And, if you haven't yet heard of Charlie Mackesy's wonderful book, The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse, it comes highly recommended, There are some wonderful quotations in it about mental health, mindfulness and looking after yourselves.
"Being kind to yourself is one of the greatest kindnesses."
For more helpful advice and inspiration, please follow @ShiplakeWelfare on Twitter.
