We have all enjoyed a fabulous Feel Good Week at Canons, which has helped us embrace and reflect on the myriad activities, food and people that help us all feel good.
At the start of the week, Miss Gibb’s assembly outlined that we feel many emotions during a day; as a way of caring for ourselves, we should find time to do things which make us and others feel good. We want our students to be equipped to be happy and successful- placing a focus on feeling good throughout this week is helping us all develop the tools to care for ourselves and those around us.
In addition to our regular recreational sports and swimming, pop-up sessions of yoga, pilates, Qi-gong mindful movement and Latin dance have been offered. Our Peer Mentors have led activities including Walk and Talk, Just Dance and an art workshop; these students support pupils across the School and are trained by our Counsellors and Pastoral team. The Big Six hosted a collaborative project to create a Feel Good mural with the whole School. It was wonderful to see so many students across all year groups working together and creating a positive feeling of community. With the addition of an ABBA Sing-Along session, relaxing meditation, and the ever-popular pop-up tuck shop, which appropriately offered ice cream with this week’s heat, there has been something for everyone to feel good about.
Students have also received resources to share with family and friends in our daily ‘Feel Good Afternoon Tea’ newsletter. This digital guide included healthy recipes (as well as treats such as the famous NLCS pear and chocolate crumble), music to lift our mood, feel good news stories and links to books, podcasts, and websites. One particular story this week referred to research from Harvard University, which found that higher levels of optimism were associated with longer lifespan and living beyond age 90 in women across racial and ethnic groups.
Our ‘NLCS Feel Good Wall of Fame’ encouraged students to write messages about things which made them feel good and happy.
“I am proud of making new friends.”
“I am happy spending time with my grandma when she needs company.”
“I am proud of training my cat to walk to me if I give her a gesture.”
“I’m bilingual.”
“I feel happy when I try out new things.”
Throughout the year at NLCS, we make time to place a spotlight on key areas – such as feeling good, kindness and celebration. These are things we believe in all through the year and the school community always looks forward to such weeks.
