Mr Len Wiltshire is Lathallan’s new Head of Pastoral Care. In this blog, he outlines the steps being taken by Lathallan to continue supporting the wellbeing of our pupils and staff as they learn from home.
Without question, the events of the last 12 months have heightened our collective awareness of physical and mental health.
Exercise and nutrition; positive interactions with others; sports, hobbies and socialising; being connected to our friends and families; These aspects of our lives have perhaps never been more important to us than at this time.
The restrictions and adjustments brought about by COVID-19 have undoubtedly had an impact on our mental and physical wellbeing, and that of our pupils.
At Lathallan, we are committed to ensuring that our pupils and staff continue to feel connected and supported during this period of remote learning. As Head of Pastoral Care, I am taking the opportunity to highlight the importance of a healthy body and mind to our senior school pupils during weekly PSHE lessons.
Our pupils are encouraged to reflect on strategies that will give them the confidence to face the challenges of our current circumstances, as well as the knowledge and understanding of the support available to them, should they feel that they need it.
In doing so, they are becoming better informed regarding the influence of mental and physical wellbeing on fostering positive relationships, making good choices, and career planning.
As part of our PSHE lessons this week, I encouraged pupils to ‘check in’ on their feelings at different points in the day, to evaluate what influences their emotions and moods, and to identify mindfulness strategies that work for them.
The key message in PSHE lessons was that it is perfectly normal to feel unsettled, low or anxious and that there will always be someone available to talk through any issues or concerns.
The maturity and engagement demonstrated by all our pupils during these activities was inspiring and, to me, highlights the positive influence of Lathallan’s school values.
Because of our small class sizes, subject teachers and tutors have been able to arrange small group and one-to-one support sessions that allow for focused and individual advice and guidance on a range of issues.
In doing so, pupils can access the support that they need, be that academic, personal or social in nature. We are also keeping pupils connected through regular assemblies, Tutor Challenges, House Competitions and PDA activities, not to mention the Junior School’s ‘Feel Good Friday’.
These events provide opportunities to engage in fun challenges and friendly competition away from computer screens and maintain the spirit of community that has been a hallmark of the Lathallan experience.
For staff, we are also keeping connected through twice-weekly ‘tea breaks’ in our virtual staffroom, which recently included participation in the Samaritans’ #BrewMonday2021 event.
There have also been opportunities to share good practice and mindfulness tips (thanks to our bursar, Mrs. Corbett).
While it may not be the same as being together in our classrooms and social spaces, we are endeavouring to remain positive while we work remotely and look forward to a time, hopefully soon, when we can return to our castle by the sea.’
