AN ELEMENTARY school recently enjoyed a fun-filled week of activities aimed at promoting positive mental health and well-being.
Willow Tree Primary School, in Sutton Leach, celebrated the week to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.
The school received visits from former professional boxer Martin Murray. The Fingerpost-born star spoke to the kids about resilience and staying physically fit to help them put a positive focus on their mindset.
Martin Murray speaking to students
The children enjoyed listening to him and were inspired by his “never give up” work ethic.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Jamie Leahey, from Rainford, brought her faithful companion and Chuck and entertained the children during an assembly aimed at promoting good mental health.
jamie leahey and chuck
Jamie reminded the kids that “it’s okay to not be okay,” but tell an adult or friend so you can get help when you need it.
Additionally, Tara and Brad from the Saints Community Foundation offered a “Healthy Body, Healthy Mind” workshop for parents and children, which was popular and gave parents ideas to try at home to help the family with their own health needs. mental.
All the children participated in a ‘Junior Chef’ session and learned the importance of healthy eating to support their own well-being.
Students also did a therapy art session and made a ‘honey beehive’ mosaic that will be proudly displayed in the honeycomb room.
Jamie Leahey and Chuck in Willow Tree
All the children participated in a ‘Junior Chef’ session and learned the importance of healthy eating to support their own well-being.
Meanwhile, the sixth graders participated in a wellness session with Les Roberts, a child therapist. They talked about things we can and can’t control, and supported each other in making these judgments.
The busy week also saw students perform a therapeutic art session and make a ‘honey beehive’ mosaic which will be proudly displayed in the honeycomb room. The Year 6 boys were trained as wellness warriors and called themselves ‘Busy Bees’. These children are available on the playground during lunchtime and help other students make friends.
Saints Community Foundation visited the school
In classrooms scheduled with Mindful Monday activities, such as breathing activities, Thoughtful Tuesday involved reframing positive thoughts and affirmations. Wellness Wednesday focused on resiliency and self-esteem building activities. Grateful Thursday encouraged keeping a gratitude journal and making thank you cards. Feeling Friday closed by exploring the use of a worry box.
Willow Tree staff provided massages, meditation sessions, and cheerleading sessions after school for all staff.
Willow Tree students enjoyed a busy week
Sharon Farrell, pastoral manager at the school added: “Willow Tree is lucky to have its own wellness center known as The Hive.
“This is available to all children and offers tailored interventions, focusing support in the form of counselling, therapies and wellness sessions.
“All the children had access to this facility during the week and participated in mindfulness sessions, outdoor physical activity games and friendship bracelet making.
“These new skills will continue to be developed and incorporated throughout life at Willow Tree Elementary School.”
