Anyone who has been on the ISWA campus this month will have been struck by the extent to which wellbeing has been visible.
All new teachers and students have been introduced to the S.E.A.R.C.H Pathways which are at the core of our Visible Wellbeing programme. These also reflect our beliefs about how to ensure our school ethos, systems and daily life foster a culture where emotional, psychological and social states are prioritised, hand in glove with our inquiry driven curriculum. With a seamless transition, not only into this academic year but into different stages of learning, adaptation has been unbelievably quick for many in our community. They’ve navigated a new city, school, culture, environment and language. We are understandably proud of our multicultural demographic and richer for the contribution made by them all.
The evidence is clear. Wellbeing isn’t a single initiative, event or lesson. It’s about positive relationships built upon trust and care, the commitment we all have to learn, contribute and to never take for granted the opportunities which embody all that we’re so grateful to have.
Here are just a few examples from this first month which demonstrate the wellbeing which is visible:
- Buddies embraced our new arrivals
- Families were greeted with cheery welcomes and daily check- ins from every adult, including our knowledgeable Reception staff
- Parents joined our Coffee Mornings and New Parent Evenings
- Our co-curricular programme offered unique opportunities for social development, leadership training and personal growth.
- Athletics Day showcased student skill and team spirit, despite the inclement weather!
- The vibrant colour and joy of Book Week costumes and parades reinforced our love of reading
- Volunteers led terrific PA events, enfolding new families into the ISWA community
- Strength ‘Shout Outs’ at the primary assemblies recognised and celebrated effort, not only outcomes
- Excursions and incursions provided chances to extend the thrills of learning beyond the classroom
- Visible Wellbeing surveys elicited timely data and feedback to inform planning
- Secondary Home Room sessions thrice weekly provided additional pastoral care
Our warm, collegiate and protective environment promotes resilience. Access to additional support for those requiring it underpins the high priority we place upon inclusion and equity. Confidence is built and everyone then bears witness to the priority we place on the value of every individual.
Christine Rowlands
School Counsellor
