Awareness of children needing help and hope, anti-bullying measures and wellbeing support are big issues supported by St Gregory’s Catholic Primary in Margate.
Supporting national and local causes is high on the community agenda at the school and in recent weeks pupils, families and staff have united to reinforce their backing of three worthwhile causes.
The annual BBC Children in Need appeal saw year groups understanding the various life problems and situations that their contemporaries face around the country. The awareness learning was backed by a non-uniform day that saw a myriad of colourful Pudsey Bear and spotty coloured outfits including onesies and tops plus pyjamas. Donations raised more than £210 for the cause.
The school’s behaviour and kindness ethos was highlighted when it took part in the annual nationwide anti-bullying week campaign which began with ‘odd sox day’, where pupils wore their brightest miss-matched socks to celebrate that people are all different and unique.
Throughout the week the children were encouraged to demonstrate their super power of kindness in as many ways possible. Classes made posters and signed pledges to show that St Gregory’s is firmly against bullying.
The importance of wellbeing was explored during the Young Minds mental health charity ‘hello yellow day’ where children of all ages wore their brightest and boldest yellow clothes to signify their support. This non-uniform day raised £205.
The Reception class visited the school library to read The Lion Inside, a story that helped spark meaningful conversations about the importance of speaking up when you’re feeling worried.
In Key Stage 1, some children took part in a yoga session, exploring the physical and mental benefits it can bring; Key Stage 2 pupils reflected on the different factors that can affect mental health and engaged in thoughtful discussions about how to manage challenges and support their own wellbeing.
Laura Wright is a Year 1 and 2 teacher and is the school’s PSHE lead (personal, social, health and economic education). She said: “Our school has reinforced its position for three very important aspects of life – our children and families are fully supportive of the causes highlighted by the charity days, which in turn back up the ongoing work we do.”
Head Teacher Dave Walker agreed and added: “Anti-bullying, wellbeing and mental health, and offering hope and help to those who are in need, are critical parts of life in our school community.
“Taking part in high profile charity campaigns promotes further awareness to what we actively discuss and encompass throughout the year.
“It is very important that we live in a society now that recognises and values the mental health and wellbeing of children – it is an integral part of the development of each child that we nurture through our ongoing wellbeing and care initiative.”
Very impressive, excellent initiative by St Gregory’s.