Wellbeing Newsletter

INTRODUCING OUR NEW HEAD PREFECT

My name is Myriam and I have the honour to be the Head Prefect of La Garenne International School. I am 17 years old and I am currently studying for the IB diploma. I have been at La Garenne for 2 years and it has been greatly valuable for me. I am very pleased to receive a lot of support from the staff and teachers on a daily basis. Besides that, I love spending time with my friends, going out for activities or doing sports. However, I have to admit that it can be quite challenging to manage my studies and my hobbies. That is why I am doing plenty of things to take care of my mental health in order to manage all of it at the same time. For instance, I like to go out for a walk to get some fresh air, going to the gym, going out to a restaurant, planning my days, tidying my room, reading books and also, taking naps. I believe that our mental health should be our priority and we must take care of it.

MANAGING EXAM STRESS

Just Breathe
"You are strong enough to handle your challenges,
Wise enough to find a solution to your problems, and
Capable enough to do what needs to be done.”
Lori Deschene

For the first time in the history of La Garenne International School, the first cohort of DP2 students is embarking on their IB exams. This is a very exciting but also challenging time for everyone. It is normal to feel overwhelmed when preparing for and writing an exam, but looking after our mental health and our wellbeing during revision and exam time is very important. Here are a few tips that were shared with our DP2 students to help them navigate the upcoming stress:
Step2: High levels of stress tells you that you need to take a break from the stressful sitaution. Here's what you can do:

Laugh with friends
• Eat healthy snacks
• Learn to say no
• Listen to music
• Tidy your study space
• Stretch your body
• Drink water
• Take deep breaths
• Sleep more
• Go for a walk
• Reduce screen time
• Do something creative
• Read a book
• Write a diary

Step 3: Talk to someone for additional support: your boarding houseparents, your health and counselling team, your teachers and school mentors. The whole school would like to wish our DP2 students all the best in their upcoming exams.

WELLBEING IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

It is well known that bringing pets to the classroom has a positive effect on the education of our students: not only do they provide an alternative way for children to learn, but it is also linked to supporting emotional wellbeing. For children who do not have a pet at home, they have the opportunity to see, feel and touch an animal, enriching their curiosity and creativity. The primary section was extremely lucky last week to welcome Sausage the rabbit into their Art class.

EARTH DAY

Since 1970, Earth day has been celebrated annually on 22nd April to raise awareness and to show support for protecting the environment. The first Earth Day started with Senator Gaylord Nelson, an American politician and environmentalist who wanted to raise awareness about environmental issues.
The theme for this year’s Earth Day was Invest in our Planet. This reminds us of our responsibility to give our time, energy and resources to help solve different environmental issues. How can we as individuals help to invest in the future of our planet?

• Reduce plastic consumption
• Join an organisation to plant trees to offset our carbon footprint
• Commit to sustainable fashion
• Use public transport as much as possible
• Turn off the lights when you leave the classroom

La Garenne also plays a role in protecting the environment with our sustainability initiatives. This school year, La Garenne has invested in green energy by installing our own solar energy plant outside Beau Site, as well as investing in two electric minibuses to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to cleaner air in the community. Every small action can have a big impact when it comes to protecting our planet.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is Anxiety, which is one of the most common mental health problems affecting people today. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry and fear that can affect a person in a variety of ways.
Anxiety is a normal reaction that can, in some situations, be beneficial to us in that it can make us more aware and alert. A healthy level of worry or stress can help us in preparing for an exam or an important presentation. However, when this worry becomes too big and takes over our thoughts and feelings, it ceases to be helpful and turns into a disadvantage.

What can we do to cope with feelings of anxiety?

• Focus on your breathing - use a breathing technique that works for you, for example the 4-7-8 system
• Keep a diary of your emotions - this can help you see what triggers your anxiety
• Take time outside in nature - it can help us feel calmer and less stressed
• Exercise on a regular basis during the week. This does not have to be too strenuous. A walk outside with friends can do wonders to our wellbeing

During Wellbeing Week, the students will take part in numerous activities linked to looking after their wellbeing and in particular reducing stress and anxiety levels on a day to day basis. Some of the lunchtime activities that will be run by staff and prefects will be:

• Making your own calm jars
• Make your own stress balls
• Fun and creative workshop linked to anxiety
• Board games and bingo
• Mandala colouring session

FIVE DAILY REMINDERS

I am amazing
I have the power to do anything I put my mind to
I choose to be positive
I will not give up
I will let go of the negative energy surrounding me

MENTAL HEALTH LINKS

Yoga office / screen break
Yoga to release tension
Tai-Chi / Qigong
Meditation
Fitness with Madfit
Tabata workout
African dance lesson
You are not your thoughts
Mindfulness revision