Monday 1 June was International Children Day (not to be confused with Universal Children's Day, which takes place on 20 November this year), is an awareness day proclaimed by the World Conference for the Wellbeing of Children in 1925.

During these challenging weeks since the beginning of the lockdown (11!), the wellbeing of our children has been at the forefront in the minds of all parents and teachers. It was what we all most wanted to protect when we first started lockdown. And one of the factors we most identified with wellbeing was the possibility to connect with others.

When we moved a great part of our remote education to live lessons, there was a palpable excitement amongst pupils, teachers, and parents. Even more than the new learning opportunities live lessons offered, what the community appreciated most about the Zoom lessons was the opportunities they offered for an enhanced connection with others. For this reason, clubs, even ones with pupils and teachers simply having lunch together, each person beamed from their own table, have been popular, as has the opportunity for all to take part in the same ‘life skills’ sessions and then posting the outcomes online. Positive relationships with family and friends are at the core of people’s wellbeing. In a 2009 study on relationships, Stanford psychologist Dr Natalya Maisel identifies the elements which most influence their quality:  
 
- Experiencing positive emotions together - e.g. enjoyment, fun 
- Being able to talk openly and feel understood 
- Giving and receiving support 
- Shared activities and experiences
 
A really useful list for any teacher and parent. I am sure that connecting to others in person and having a greater opportunity for shared experiences, even within the constraints of physical distancing, has been a huge motivator, perhaps the main one, in Year 1 and Year 6 pupils returning to school in such considerable numbers. I have been delighted to see the boys relishing the opportunity to spend time with their peers and teachers in person, despite the constant hand sanitising, ‘classroom bubbles’, almost continuous draught from opened windows and the distanced playtimes. There is a possibility that the virus won’t entirely disappear in the weeks ahead and that we might have to adapt to a reality of increased physical distancing for some time. Therefore, it makes sense to get used to practising learning in ways which minimise the risk of infection but also feel fun, energising and foster our wellbeing.

A huge well done to our Year 1 and Year 6 boys, teachers and parents for a great first week back. I hope we will be able to welcome back more before the end of term.

 
 
Have a great weekend. 

Mr Matteo E Rossetti