This week, we are excited to mark our annual celebration of Children’s Mental Health Week, with the theme ‘Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.’ During our morning assembly, Mr Entwisle (Deputy Head) shared a thought-provoking message about the importance of self-discovery. Understanding who we are is key to personal growth and supporting our mental wellbeing. He highlighted that we strive to understand ourselves and grow as individuals throughout our lives, and that school is a safe and exciting place to support this journey.
The girls have been encouraged to reflect on how self-awareness can empower them. They learnt that by recognising their strengths they can build confidence, and by understanding their emotions they are better equipped to manage them, especially during challenging times. The girls also explored what brings them joy and fulfilment, helping them focus on what truly matters. With a strong sense of self, they have been inspired to set meaningful goals and make positive choices for their futures.
Through this exploration, the girls learnt that self-awareness is about understanding not just their strengths and challenges, but also what makes them happy or sad, as well as embracing their individuality. It’s about recognising their hopes, dreams and fears. As they build a deeper sense of self, they also develop the ability to connect with others and form strong, supportive relationships that help them navigate life’s challenges with resilience.
Mr Entwisle also highlighted the power of kindness and how giving back can bring great happiness and fulfilment. To illustrate this, he shared two short films: The Long Wait and Kindness Boomerang which beautifully demonstrate how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity.
Throughout the week, the girls will participate in a range of activities designed to promote mental health and wellbeing, including yoga and mindfulness sessions. If you would like to join in with some of these activities with your daughter at home, please follow this link.
We’ll conclude the week with a special non-uniform day on Friday, themed Express Yourself. This is a wonderful opportunity for the girls to express their individuality by wearing their favourite colour(s), outfit or a creative combination. In our commitment to sustainability, we encourage the girls to use items they already have at home, sparking their creativity in the process. I’m excited to see the unique expressions the girls bring to the day!
Finally, a last reminder to sign up for the chance to contribute your thoughts towards shaping our vision for Channing 2035. We will be hosting World Café-style facilitated sessions where we’ll explore what you love about Channing, what you feel could be improved, what changes you’d like to see and what new ideas you’d like to create. Please use this link: Channing 2035. There are only a few places left, so if you haven’t already booked, be sure to secure your spot soon.
With warm wishes
Miss Dina Hamalis
Head of the Junior School