SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
THE ARIS PERSONAL WELLBEING MODEL
Our super engaging curriculum is designed around this model, which seeks to incorporate the ATL skills of Thinking, Communication, Self Management, Research and Social/ Collaboration. At the end of their time at ARIS, students would have picked up the IB Learner profiles of being Reflective, Caring, Knowledgeable, Open- minded, Balanced and a Risk Taker through the Wellbeing program.
As part of this academic year’s theme on “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.
START OF SECOND MODULE: FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS
After the mid-term break, all classes in secondary commenced the second module of our wellbeing curriculum: Friendships and Relationships. The topics being discussed include understanding the different dynamics of friendships, learning how to be tolerant and assertive, reviewing the concepts of crushes and establishing healthy relationships with the opposite sex, family members and mentors; navigating social media, cyberbullying and creating appropriate digital identities.
Over the past weeks, we have seen tremendous examples of student agency and creativity as evidence of the modules’ success and we are hopeful that the skills they have acquired will be transferred to other areas in their personal and academic journeys.
SERVICE ACTION & SRC PROJECTS: MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Our students have been diligently working on Service Action projects centered around mental health and wellbeing. These student-led initiatives demonstrate their commitment to creating positive change and raising awareness about important psychological and emotional health topics. Some of the topics collaborated on include an international project on Body Positivity- “My Body is Mine”, Personal Hygiene for Middle School Students, Dyslexia Awareness, Gender Equality and Mental Health, among many.
We also collaborated with the SRC on the success event dubbed “Eagles’ Insight Workshop” as part of our Mental Health Awareness initiative. We supported the SRC on holding a panel discussion on the following topics:
- Adjusting to a new school environment
- Bullying
- How to be a positive bystander
- Building empathy and respect
EXAM CAFE: “AVOIDING THE OUCH MOMENTS”
We successfully ran the first set of the Exam Cafe for our MYP and DP/CP students, themed “Avoiding The Ouch Moments”. The sessions were strategically designed to equip students with:
- Effective study techniques for different learning styles
- Comprehensive planning skills
- Advanced organizational strategies
These workshops in collaboration with our Personalised Learning Department are crucial in helping students manage academic stress and develop resilience during challenging academic periods.
AISA CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Our Lead School Counsellor, Ms. Priscilla Adjei-Mensah represented ARIS and The Wellbeing Division at the 2024 AISA Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Through inspiring conversations as a panelist on the opening session of the Wellbeing Symposium to discussing and presenting an insightful workshop on “Designing Systems to Support Whole School Mental Health and Wellbeing”, our Lead Counsellor shared best practices and connected with educators from across the continent. This experience underscores our commitment to comprehensive student support and innovative mental health approaches.
PARENT SUPPORT GUIDE: HOLIDAY EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
As we approach the holiday season, we have prepared a special note for parents on supporting the emotional wellbeing of their children. Key recommendations include:
- Maintaining open communication
- Creating stress-free family environments
- Recognizing and addressing potential emotional challenges
- Encouraging relaxation and self-care
A detailed guide will be shared separately to provide comprehensive support.
We remain dedicated to nurturing the mental, emotional, and social development of our students. Stay connected and supportive.
Warm regards,
ARIS Wellbeing Division Team.
RECOMMENDED SLEEP REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS
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, minimising distractions from electronic devices. Consider implementing a “digital curfew” to limit screen time before bedtime.
3. Encourage Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity on a regular basis 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, practising 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 prioritising 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.