Deputy Headmaster's Message - Mental Health Awareness Week

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

This week in the Prep and Senior Schools, we ran a series of tutor led sessions on the topic of Mental Health Awareness, using presentations created by Miss Rubani, the school Counsellor, and Mr Orton, the Deputy Head of Prep. Mental health is a topic close to our hearts, and the observance of this week serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being of our students, staff, and families.

This year, our focus was on destigmatising mental health, addressing burnout, and reducing the excessive use of digital devices – all important aspects of nurturing positive mental health. We recognise that mental health is a topic that is often shrouded in stigma and silence, and one of our key objectives was to create an open and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns without fear of judgment or shame.

In addition to addressing stigma, we also explored the concept of burnout – an issue that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including our students. We recognise that the pressures of academic and extracurricular demands can sometimes take a toll on our students' mental health, leading to feelings of exhaustion and anxiety. As such, we emphasised the importance of self-care, stress management techniques, and the need for balance in all aspects of life.

Finally, we delved into the impact of excessive screen time and digital device usage on mental well-being. While technology offers numerous benefits and opportunities for learning and social connections, it is important that we strike a balance and recognise the importance of unplugging and engaging in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being. By encouraging mindfulness, outdoor play, offline hobbies, and meaningful social interactions, we aim to remind our students that life does not have to be completely online.

Being aware of the mental health of your friends, family, loved ones and even ourselves is vital in modern, fast paced work we currently live in. The sessions served as a reminder that we can all take a step back, take a deep breath, and consider our actions and take the time to look after ourselves.

Being aware of the mental health of your friends, family, loved ones and even ourselves is vital in modern, fast paced work we currently live in. The sessions served as a reminder that we can all take a step back, take a deep breath, and consider our actions and take the time to look after ourselves.

Have a safe and restful (both physically and mentally) weekend,

Simon Fowler

Deputy Headmaster