This week in the Junior section we have been celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week. The theme for this year is “My Voice Matters”: empowering children and young people by providing them with the tools they need to express themselves.

When we feel empowered, this can have a positive impact on our wellbeing. Research indicates that children and young people who feel that their voices are heard and can make a difference, have a greater sense of community and self-esteem. At Wakefield Girls’ Junior Section, we foster this spirit of empowerment by offering multiple leadership roles and committees that students can participate in to make a real difference. By working together in these roles, students undoubtedly create a positive atmosphere and nurture their mental health and wellbeing.

Alongside empowering students to use their voice, there have also been two workshops for Junior students during the week. For our younger students in Year 3 and 4, there was a workshop focusing on “Managing my emotions”. They looked at how the Zones Of Regulation strategies can help them self-regulate their emotions.

For our students in Years 5 and 6, they had a workshop dedicated to “Navigating friendships” using Girls on Board resources. Girls on Board sessions are designed to help girls solve friendship issues. It aims to raise empathy amongst the girls and it is that empathy that fuels the search for harmony and resolution. By supporting girls to find their own solutions to friendship troubles, parents need worry less, schools can focus more on the curriculum and the girls learn more effectively – because they are happier.

Year 3CW presented a fantastic assembly to the Junior classes on Wednesday based on the fantastic story “The Colour Monster”. This explained  how we feel a range of feelings and how they link to the Zones of Regulation.

Additionally, students made a badge with a “My Voice Matters” related design, to serve as a reminder and they will be enjoying a tasty themed treat from our lovely Kitchen Staff on Friday! 

Mrs V Hutchinson

Junior Section Wellbeing Officer