“Happiness is a matter of one’s most ordinary and everyday mode of consciousness being busy and lively and unconcerned with self.”
Iris Murdoch
We are in one of those periods of the school year which is, well, a little unremarkable. It’s a time of the year where there are no exams, it isn’t the start of the year and it’s a long way from the end of the year. Pupils are working hard, they are preparing for performances, giving their all in sports tournaments and getting on with being in school. It will not be long before we have passed the halfway mark of spring half term and we are into the last half of the year. Looking around the school it is clear that much is being done in a quiet, industrious way. Rather like the trees on campus, there is a lot of effort going into getting ready for the glorious flourishing that happens in spring.
Of course, not all pupils progress to this flourishing at the same pace and it is in these quieter periods in the school year that much work can be done, both in and out of the classroom. Some will be cruising along, and others will be more anxious. It was therefore particularly good to hear from our Senior School prefects in assembly talking about Children’s Mental Health week.
During my time in education the rise in mental health concerns has been one the most significant developments. As a school we are spending more time than ever on providing support and listening ears to our young people who in turn face ever growing levels of scrutiny, pressure and expectation. On both campuses there are welfare hubs, staff ready to listen, as well as helplines, concerns mailboxes and posters to raise awareness.
It is a sad fact that despite these opportunities to share concerns, all too often worries are buried only to resurface in more damaging forms. As part of their presentation, the prefects could explain to their peers the ways in which help can be sought and a greater satisfaction with their lot can be found. This year’s theme of “This is my place” seems to fit well with our approach to global thinking and international education.
I was particularly interested in the advice that was given during assembly that having activities to lose oneself in can be one of the very best ways of finding contentment. At this time of the year there are plenty of activities on offer and I’d encourage all pupils to get involved with something in which they can find joy. Whilst it may not be the most exciting time of the year, it is one of the busiest. Failing that I’d encourage any pupil who is beset with the winter blues to go and have a chat with someone. Help is always at hand.
