SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
THE ARIS PERSONAL WELLBEING MODEL
The ARIS Personal Wellbeing Curriculum is designed to incorporate the ATL skills of Thinking, Communication, Self Management, Research, and Social/Collaboration. At the end of their time at ARIS, students will have picked up the IB learner profiles of being Reflective, Caring, Knowledgeable, Open-minded, Balanced, and risk-taker through the wellbeing program.
As part of this academic year’s theme of “Enriching and Empowering Learning,” the wellbeing department has been actively engaging students, staff, and parents in classroom discussions, workshops, and online training. Here are summaries of the work we have started this semester.
New Additions To The Team
The Wellbeing Division has undergone a lot of transitions this academic year. We are happy to introduce to our community Mme. Shaakira Raheem as our new Head of Wellbeing. Shaakira’s global experience spans the United States, Ghana, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, the Dominican Republic, and Tanzania. She is passionate about education and community wellness and is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the ARIS community.
We also have the wonderful opportunity of adding to our department a new well-being facilitator, Mr. Johnson Awuah-Baffour, and two new school counselors, Mme. Gloria Aguadze and Mme. Ophelia Azure. They collectively have expertise in Clinical Health Psychology and are excited to be at ARIS and to make a contribution to the Wellbeing Division. They will be supporting the division through the following services:
- Delivering Wellbeing Curriculum for both Primary and Secondary Schools
- Supporting counseling and mental health support for primary and secondary students
- Research and Administrative tasks
Child Protection Training for Students
We are pleased to share that our Child Protection Training for students was successfully delivered at the beginning of the school year! This important initiative aimed to equip our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure their safety and well-being.
Training Highlights
During the sessions, students engaged in discussions and activities focused on:
- Understanding Personal Boundaries: Students learned about the importance of setting and respecting personal boundaries, helping them recognize what feels safe and what doesn’t.
- Identifying Unsafe Situations: We explored how to spot potentially harmful situations and emphasized the importance of trusting their instincts.
- Seeking Help: Students were introduced to various resources available in our school and community, including identifying trusted adults they can turn to for support.
Wellbeing Classes in Secondary
We’re thrilled to share that Wellbeing classes at secondary school have launched this year on a very positive note! With our expanded team, we’ve continued with Wellbeing sessions being twice a week for Years 7-9, with the first class being a theory/discussion-based class and the second class being practical. Building on the success of last year’s program, we are continuing to align our wellbeing curriculum with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This means students will engage with projects and content that focus on understanding and applying the SDGs to enhance mental health and well-being. We’re eager for the upcoming class presentations, debates, and vision boards, as students delve into what wellbeing truly means to them and explore how these topics relate to both personal and global contexts.
We look forward to a year of insightful learning and growth!
Recommendations
Enhancing Sleep, Exercise, and Eating Habits for Secondary Students
As we embark on a new academic year, it’s crucial to address the challenges that secondary students face, such as irregular sleep patterns, adjustment issues in the classroom, and mounting concerns. These factors can significantly impact their stress levels, learning abilities, and emotional well-being. To foster the optimal growth and development of our students at ARIS, it is imperative to prioritize their sleep, exercise, and eating habits. Based on current research, the ARIS Wellbeing Division not only recommends appropriate sleep schedules but also provides additional recommendations for promoting overall well-being.
Recommended Sleep Requirements:
1. Pre-teens (Ages 6-12): It is recommended that pre-teens obtain a consistent 9 hours of sleep each day. This duration allows for ample rest and rejuvenation, enhancing their cognitive function and emotional resilience.
2. Teenagers (Ages 13-18): Teenagers should aim for a minimum of 8 hours of sleep daily. This sleep duration supports their physical growth, mental acuity, and overall well-being, enabling them to tackle the demands of school life more effectively.
Additional Recommendations:
1. Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine: Encourage your child to maintain a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This helps regulate their internal body clock, leading to better sleep quality.
2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Ensure that your child’s bedroom is conducive to sleep. Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet, minimizing distractions from electronic devices. Consider implementing a “digital curfew” to limit screen time before bedtime.
3. Encourage Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity regularly promotes better sleep quality. Encourage your child to participate in activities they enjoy, such as joining a sports team, dancing, or taking walks. Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise each day.
4. Balanced and Nutritious Eating: A well-balanced diet plays a vital role in overall health and sleep quality. Encourage your child to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugary snacks, especially close to bedtime.
5. Limit Stimulants Before Bed: Advise your child to avoid stimulating substances like caffeinated beverages, nicotine, and energy drinks in the evening. These can interfere with falling asleep and disrupt sleep patterns.
6. Wind Down Before Bedtime: Encourage your child to establish a relaxing bedtime routine. This may include reading a book, taking a warm bath, practicing deep breathing exercises, or engaging in mindfulness activities. These calming rituals can help signal to the body that it’s time to unwind and prepare for sleep.
By prioritizing healthy sleep, exercise, and eating habits, we can empower our secondary students to thrive academically, emotionally, and physically. Remember, fostering a supportive and conducive environment at home is crucial in establishing these habits. Let’s work together to ensure the well-being and success of our students at ARIS.