Welcome to our first Wellness Spotlight of the 2022-2023 school year!
We are doing things a little differently this year. Each month's blog is going to feature a story from staff or students about that month's theme. And we are introducing a contest that will run all year long, with chances for students, staff and parents/guardians to win prizes (see details at the end of the blog)!
This month we are focusing on kindness. Studies show that performing acts of kindness increases happiness and well-being for both the giver and receiver. Even those who simply observe kindness experience positive effects including increased generosity, interpersonal connections, inclusion and calmness.
Our students will be learning about kindness and how it can enhance mental health in our schools this month. Our Mental Health Team - Student Advocacy Counsellors and Wellness Coaches - will be sharing resources with students, staff and families, and supporting kindness activities and initiatives in our classrooms.
KINDNESS STORY
This month's story is from our Successful Families, Successful Kids Wellness Coaches and features appearances by some of their friends who help them teach students about kindness. You can view it HERE or at the bottom of this blog.
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Here are some links that our team recommends for families to encourage and promote kindness at home:
- 6 Ways to Teach Kids to Be Kind (Parents)
Tips for talking about, modelling, and encouraging kindness with your children. - Top 30 Kindness and Friendship Movies for Families (Big Life Journal)
Great suggestions for movies to spark a discussion or encourage kindness. What's your favourite? - 17 Activities for Kids to Practice Kindness and Compassion (Nature's Path)
Games and activities for families to do together to learn about and practise kindness at home and in their community.
For more curated resources, please visit the Kindness section of our Mental Health Resources for Families on our website.
KINDNESS CONTEST
Each month we are offering students, staff and families the opportunity to share their own stories related to our theme on our Engage NLPS website. You can write us a story or poem, make a video, draw or paint a picture, or tell your story in whatever other creative way you can think of.
For September, here are some things you may want to consider when telling or creating your Kindness story:
- What does kindness mean to you?
- How do you show kindness to others? What things do you do at school to show kindness to others?
- What is something kind that someone else has done for you?
- What are some kind things that we can do for others in our communities?
Everyone who shares a story will be entered into a monthly draw for a prize, may have their story featured in our Wellness Showcase in May, and will be eligible for our year-end grand prize. Staff or students who submit stories will also earn entries for their school. At the end of the year, one of our schools will also win a prize for their whole school!
We will be sharing more ways to win on Facebook and Instagram. Like and follow us so you don't miss our posts.