Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Fall seven times, stand up eight” – Japanese proverb
Bouncing Back
Bouncing back is all about ‘having another go’ after we are faced with challenges, this is also called resilience! There are times when things will not go how we planned, so being resilient will help us keep going and try again. We can all develop our ability to bounce back, so it is important to maintain a growth mindset and practise this skill by trying the following tips:
Our tips for bouncing back:
Watch this short video introducing resilience and ‘bouncebackability’. Click the link to watch the video: Beano – Bouncebackability
Practise problem solving as a strategy to overcome practical difficulties and help you bounceback! Follow the steps below, you may want to write the answers down to help you:
What is the problem?
How does it make you feel?
What are the possible solutions?
What are the positives and negatives of each solution?
Select the best solution and make a plan to try out!
Think about a time when you have faced a challenge in the past…how did you overcome it? Would you do anything differently if you came across the same challenge again? You could discuss this with a friend to share ideas.
Build your support network. Having people that you trust around you through difficult times can help you to bounce back! Try to share how you are feeling with friends, family, teachers and other trusted adults in your life. You can also contact the services below if you struggle talking to people you know:
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” – Albert Einstein
Happy New Year
As we welcome the New Year, many of us will focus on resolutions, which may include to become healthier, more active, or learn a new skill. New Year’s resolutions are generally seen as promises we make to ourselves to achieve or improve an aspect of our life. Some people can stick to their goals easily, while others may find it more of a challenge. Setting goals can make us feel motivated and inspired, but if everything does not go to plan, it can leave us feeling disheartened. This can happen if we are unsure how to get started on our goals, or if they feel too big to achieve. For that reason, this year, take a moment to create SMART goals that focus on small steps. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time based.
Our top tips:
Focus on your strengths and interests, perhaps there is something you are already doing that you want to do more of. Setting small, strengths-based goals will create hope and build your self-confidence, empowering you to accomplish new things that make you feel happy and healthy.
Think about setting a mentally healthy goal this year:
Find new ways to get active. Maybe you could join a new club or after-school activity.
Make time for self-care and relaxation, such as participating in some mindfulness activities.
Learn more about something you are interested in. Perhaps you could put more time into a particular skill or hobby you are already doing.
Practice being kind to yourself. Positive self-talk is a simple way to achieve this – try saying positive statements such as “I am kind” or “I am on the right track”.
Establish a good sleep routine. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even at the weekend!
Limit your screen time. By setting boundaries for your usage, you may have more time for other activities.
3. Remember, goals can change! Especially if they are not giving us or teaching us what we need, so be kind to yourself.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
What a wintery day – the perfect weather for closing the curtains and curling up indoors with a good book!
My first choice this week is King Winter’s Birthday by Jonathan Freedland, illustrated by Emily Sutton. a rich, thoughtful, beautifully illustrated picturebook. Written by bestselling author Jonathan Freedland and illustrated with warmth and elegance by Emily Sutton, it brings a classic fairy-tale tone to a story that feels both gentle and meaningful.
The tale begins with King Winter, who wants his birthday celebration to be truly special. He invites all of his brothers and sisters to join him: Queen Spring, King Summer and Queen Autumn. Together they play magical games, filling the palace with joy and wonder. Outside, however, the natural world begins to change. The wind and the trees whisper a warning, and something strange is happening beyond the palace walls.
Inspired by a story by Ulrich Alexander Boschwitz, written while he was interned on the Isle of Man during the Second World War, this book carries a quiet depth beneath its fairy-tale surface. It offers children a gentle introduction to the idea that the world works best when things are in balance.
Celebrating the rhythms of the seasons and the restorative power of nature, this timeless picture book invites discussion, reflection and shared reading.
My next wintery pick is Anya’s Quest by Jasbinder Bilan, illustrated by Seema Bowri, a powerful and uplifting read that blends myth, music and environmental themes into a richly imagined tale.
When the earth’s lullaby begins to fade, the mighty river goddess Ganga knows the world is in danger. Hearing a long-forgotten melody, she is led to a palace high in the icy Himalaya and to Anya, a young girl with a vital role to play. With Anya and her friend Mahi riding on Ganga’s dragon, Makara, the story unfolds into an epic journey through time and across India.
Along the way, the children search for lost lullabies and elusive spirit animals, meeting friends old and new and learning to face their fears. Inspired by Hindu mythology, the book gently introduces young readers to ideas about caring for the planet, the importance of harmony, and the power of hope and courage.
Lyrical, imaginative and full of colour, this is a story to be shared and discussed. It encourages curiosity about the natural world and different cultures, while offering a hopeful message about protecting our fragile planet. A truly special book to treasure.
And finally, I’ve chosen Fia And The Last Snow Deer by Eilish Fisher, illustrated by Dermot Flynn, a beautifully crafted story which won the Children’s Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards last year, and has just won The Week Junior’s Book Award.
Set in snowy, prehistoric Ireland, the story follows young Fia and her magical snow deer, Solas. Fia shares a deep and special bond with Solas, but when her village is trapped in what seems like an endless winter, fear and desperation take hold. The villagers believe in an ancient prophecy that speaks of the return of sunlight and life, but only if a great sacrifice is made.
Determined not to let her home fall into despair, Fia, together with her cousin Mish, and Solas, set off on a brave journey to find the Deer Mother. This mythical figure is said to awaken the sun at the winter solstice, and she might hold the key to saving their village. However, the wilderness is full of challenges and shadows, testing their courage and friendship at every turn.
Eilish Fisher’s writing is both powerful and tender, weaving themes of hope, kindness, and the strength found in friendship. The tale’s rich setting and emotional depth are beautifully enhanced by Dermot Flynn’s stunning illustrations, which bring the icy landscapes and magical creatures vividly to life.
Fia and the Last Snow Deer is a heartfelt and inspiring lyrical read, perfect for young readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure, while also reminding us all of the importance of bravery and love in the face of hardship.
School will be open as usual today. We are busy clearing the paths around the school site. I appreciate we have a wide catchment area and some of you travel a distance by car, or walk a considerable distance, so please take care on your journey. Do send us a message if you are running late – we will be keeping our registers open a little longer this morning to allow for this.
Tips for wellness from our Mental Health In Schools Team
“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” — Tony Robbins
Setting Future Goals
Setting goals helps you stay focused, motivated, and positive. They give you something to look forward to and remind you that you’re in charge of your own journey. It’s normal to feel a bit nervous when you think about the future, but looking forward can actually help your mental health. Looking to the future helps to build confidence, can give you direction and encourages optimism. Thinking about what’s ahead reminds you that good things can still happen — even when times feel tough.
Our Top Tips For Setting Goals:
Start Small Big dreams start with small steps. Pick one thing you’d like to improve—like sleeping better or spending more time outdoors.
Make It Realistic Choose goals that feel possible, not perfect. For example, “I’ll talk to a friend once a week” is easier than “I’ll never feel lonely again.”
Be Kind to Yourself Progress takes time! Celebrate small wins and don’t be hard on yourself if things don’t go perfectly.
Write It Down Keep a journal or use your phone to track how you’re doing. Seeing your progress boosts confidence!
Ask for Support You don’t have to do it alone. Talk to someone you trust — a friend, teacher or family member— about your goals.
Balance Is Key Make time for fun, rest, and creativity. Mental health goals should make life feel better, not busier.
Please contact [email protected] for information and advice about mental health and well-being for your child and your family.
