Thoughts, comments, ideas and pause for thought from members of our school and extended community.
This week, and into next, the school has a focus on anti-bullying. Dr Essex is approaching this with gusto, strongly supported by all the staff. I thought I would like to share with you some parts of what the boys have learnt about. Bullying has been identified as one of the top three threats to society in the coming years.
Light at the end of the tunnel is an oft used saying. The message is: Get to the end, get out, then things will be okay!
A positive attitude can make such a difference. You can see it at work in the classroom, the sports field, the kitchen at home, and at work. A positive attitude is not about pretending problems don't exist, but rather one's response heading into them. It is about making the most of something, being grateful, and knowing there is hope on the other side.
There are many causes of mental health problems in society. The charity Mind lists some: neglect, social isolation, discrimination, social disadvantage, poverty, debt, bereavement, stress, homelessness and drug use. People from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities are more likely to suffer from mental health problems. The Mental Health Foundation states In England and Wales, nearly a fifth of people come from a BAME background. The mental health of BAME communities is important because people from these communities often face individual and societal challenges that can affect access to healthcare and overall mental and physical health.
Mental health awareness is such a hot topic at the moment! Lockdownhas provided a need and an opportunity to consider how vital it is to look after our health, for youngsters especially. The test always comes when things are tough - and for some of us, things are pretty tough right now. enter an introduction for your blog post here.
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Creating a virtual sports programme to replace the daily sports training and weekly matches enjoyed by the boys was a bit of a challenge, I have to admit. It was important to devise ways for all the boys to keep active, to maintain their physical and mental health. Not knowing how much space might be available at home was a consideration, of course, and with several people trying to work from home at the same time, physical activity would need to be carefully programmed.
Keeping in touch with people is really important. If you can’t catch up face-to-face, why not give them a call, text them or chat online? Putting a note through the neighbour's door can only be a good thing, not just now, but any time. I hope that in the coming months we rediscover how important it is to be sociable. Bear in mind that vulnerable people often lack contact with others and can feel alone. Let’s all look after each other and remember what is important.
Few people these days appreciate how connected the body and mind are. What we eat, how we sleep, and how active we are affects our moods. And how we are feeling affects our energy levels, our appetite and even our ability to carry out activities.
Of central importance to our wellbeing are our relationships. A lot of research has shown that the quality and quantity of connections has a direct impact on our health and happiness. Some work has shown that a lack of personal relationships poses health risks and that networks of friends and social support can increase our immune system, lower heart disease and reduce mental decline as we age.
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The ISFA (Independent Schools FA) sent a letter to all member schools over the summer. It’s concerned about the impact of the professional, televised game on player and coach conduct.
Helping others connects us with people, it creates a greater sense of belonging and community. It makes us feel that we belong to something, which is good for ourselves as well as others and helps to build a happier society.
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It’s been a cracking half-term of soccer. Since September, boys and their coaches have been engaged in practice and enjoying school fixtures.
