Autumn Term 1
Welcome back to the new school year at HWP!
We have a whole year ahead of us with lots of plans and ideas in mind to create fun and engaging activities for everyone to get involved in. Well-being and emotional health are such an important part of our everyday life so we will make sure we do our best to encourage and promote all things well-being.
I would like to congratulate the children who have secured a role as the new Well-being Leaders.
Year 1 - Delvin
Year 2 - Lillian
Year 3 - Ngozi
Year 4 - Taejah
Year 5 - Pedrina
Year 6 - Lexi
Hello Yellow Day at HWP
For Hello Yellow day at Henry Whipple our Well being leaders and Ambassadors set up a range of things for each class to celebrate. We started off with a Hello Yellow Healthy breakfast which contained yellow items that went down a treat. This was followed by a Hello Yellow photo booth on the playground at playtime. At lunch we had yellow equipment and games on the field for all to enjoy. In the afternoon we all participated in a head space session focused on the Doodle boys work who is working with Marks and Spencer's to support Young Minds Charity to raise funds for the event. To finish off each class took part in an activity which involved team work and communication. It was a successful and bright day to finish off our week.
Spring Term
Red Nose Day
For "Red Nose Day" this year we put on a range of activities to be comical throughout the day. We started off with a competitive obstacle course where children had to run to several stations and place on an item of silly clothing before finishing the race with a painted red nose.
Throughout playtime we offered a range of games and activities with the theme of red coloured equipment like hula hoops, skipping ropes, hockey and bats and balls.
For lunch time the kitchen cooked up some delicious Red Nose Day cup cakes that went down a treat.
Following that at lunch time play we enjoyed dancing along to the music box and again offered a range of activities.
During the afternoon children had the chance to get comical by sharing a joke of their own to their class friends and get creative by making a balloon Red Nose Face.
Take a look at out X feed for photos showing all of the fun things we did throughout the day.
EATWELL
Our Wellbeing team came together this term to focus on healthy lunch boxes for children and what this looks like. We took a look at the Eatwell website and Eatwell plate to discuss what is important to have in a healthy diet. We have planned to do a weekly questionnaire next half term to monitor the ingredients eaten by our packed lunch children and also offer families some support information on how to make a healthy packed lunch.
Most of us remember the transition from primary to secondary school. Moving from Year 6 to Year 7 brings new challenges, like a larger school, which can be overwhelming for children. Addressing mental health during this time is important, as the emotional changes can affect children’s well-being.
For some, the move is exciting, as they feel ready for a new challenge after years in primary school. For others, the summer between Year 6 and Year 7 may bring anxiety about entering a new environment.
Parents and carers may also feel concerned. It's natural to want to support your child while also allowing them to start school independently. Below are some tips to support you.
Visit the School Beforehand: Arrange for your child to visit the school before their first day. Familiarizing them with the new environment, including classrooms, lockers, and the layout, can help reduce anxiety.
Talk About Expectations: Have open conversations about what to expect in secondary school. Discuss the differences between primary and secondary school, such as the timetable, multiple teachers, and larger class sizes, so your child knows what to expect.
Encourage Independence: Encourage your child to take responsibility for organizing their school bag, uniform, and homework. This can build confidence and help them feel more in control.
Establish Routines: Start practicing new routines, like waking up earlier and getting ready on time. A stable routine can help ease the stress of the first few weeks.
Build Social Skills: If possible, connect with other children who will be starting the same school. Having friends on the first day can make the transition easier.
Provide Emotional Support: Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel nervous. Validate their feelings and let them know that many other students are experiencing the same thing.
Stay Positive: Help your child focus on the positive aspects of starting secondary school, such as new subjects, activities, and opportunities to make friends.
Keep Communication Open: Encourage your child to talk to you about their feelings and any challenges they may face. Keep communication open with teachers to stay informed about your child’s progress.
Additionally please see links to local secondary schools where you can find support on transitions and other support for families.