Mental health & well-being challenges are often prevalent, impacting many developmental outcomes.

Poor mental health can have several detrimental effects on children. Not only can it impact academic performance and success, but it may also interfere with social relationships and physical health. To ensure optimum growth and development, mental health education needs to begin during early school years. During this time children form their first friendships and teenagers are shaping their self-worth and self-esteem.

Growing up, children are faced with a host of challenges including – exclusion, bullying, conflict, and poor self-esteem. It is important that we acknowledge and equip children with the tools needed to manage these challenges.

In a combined effort between all 3 sections a team has been brought into effect at The AMI School to deliver:

• Evidence-based interventions for mild-to-moderate mental health issues
• Give timely advise to the existing members of The AMI community in need of help, and liaise with external specialist service to help children get the right support needed to alleviate from any mental health stressors.

Be a buddy not a bully:
The AMI School junior section students along with the teachers pledged that there will be no room for bullying of any sorts. Our stance has always been clear, an individual should respect everyone and should do whatever it takes not to create emotional turmoil for others.

We kicked off this week by taking an initiative where a contract has been signed between the teachers and the students indicating zero tolerance towards bullying. The contract has been put up in their classes as a daily reminder. At The AMI school we believe in being buddies not bullies

Eat What you Grow:

Children get great enjoyment from being outdoors. They’re curious, taking enjoyment from learning when it’s practical and creative. Gardening allows children to become more self-confident, resilient and independent as they get the satisfaction of watching something evolve from a tiny seed into a beautiful plant or even vegetables, they can go on to eat!

Another benefit of teaching through gardening is that children develop the ability to carry out tasks as they learn, becoming flexible with their thinking; they solve problems by adapting to new challenges presented by nature. Furthermore, learning via gardening helps children to communicate better as they all work towards achieving a common goal; which develops appreciation and respect for each other.

Parent Well-being:

This term we were able to engage the parent community at The AMI School in well-being activities. At two different occasions we invited mothers & fathers (of our current students) to come over and be part of some physical activities –

We conducted Tabata, Yoga & Zumba sessions for the fathers with their children so that they can get into the spirit of working out together & release endorphins release endorphins for healthier living.

A friendly Throw ball match was held between the mothers, students & faculty. The idea was to come together as one team; cheering, inspiring and encouraging each other for a throw-ball point!