During Children’s Mental Health Week, 7-13 February 2022, the importance of how young people grow and how they can help others to grow was explored at both the Lower School and Senior School in Colchester, Essex.
Happiness, security and wellbeing was emphasised at St Mary’s Lower School in ‘All about Me’ days. The girls, age 4-11 took part in yoga, listened to talks about body image and learnt about personal safety from the Police and e-safety lessons. Prep through to Year 6 took part in Forest School mindfulness sessions, creating natural art as well as enjoying some treelaxation!
A group of people playing a board game
Description automatically generated with low confidenceAmongst other activities, the Senior School girls created stars filled with personal goals for the year ahead, displaying them on a night sky scene in the entrance to the school, as well as contributing to a ‘Language of Love’ Graffiti Table, where the girls scribbled, scribed, doodled or drew messages of positivity focusing on self-growth. The girls were encouraged to think about how they see themselves in a ‘Window of Perspective’ workshop, considering the world around them, and the factors that may affect their self-confidence, self-image, and self-belief.
Principal of St Mary’s Colchester, Mrs Nicola Griffiths said “At St Mary’s, we are totally committed to providing children with an education that will prove to be a solid foundation for a whole lifetime of personal fulfilment. For young people to grow, thrive, learn and achieve, they must feel content, relaxed and secure. At St Mary’s each individual is known and understood and there is a culture in the school community – our staff as well as our pupils – of caring for each other, celebrating successes and working through difficulties. In this environment, our young people develop the strength of character and the self-confidence they need to make the very most of the life that lies ahead.”
To find out more about the brilliantly balanced education on offer at St Mary’s Colchester, there are Open Days taking place at the Senior School on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 March, 9.30-11.30am and at the Kindergarten and Lower School on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 March, 9.30-11.30am. Places can be reserved at www.stmaryscolchester.org.uk or individual tours can be arranged by contacting the Registrar, Mrs Justine Tierney on 01206 594180 or [email protected]
