Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It’s not just the absence of pain. It’s emotional, physical, and social well-being.

– Meghan McCain

I would like to thank every prefect, Midstream council member and learner who contributed to the huge success of last week’s Mental Health Week. The quarter-hour sleep period after the tests on Tuesday, the pyjama day and associated barefoot walking around the Bondev field early in the morning on Wednesday and the picnic on Friday were some of the highlights. Unfortunately, we live in a time where everyone is aware of a broken leg, but very few are aware of mental health matters that learners struggle with daily.

I would like to once again appeal to parents and learners to talk about matters that bother them, however trivial they may seem. I believe all learners have certain teachers with whom they have a good relationship and regularly encourage them to share their concerns with them. Parents, please keep a close eye on your children (especially during the upcoming exam) and any sudden change in mood, well-being or even weight loss is a wake-up call for help. Let’s join hands and help our children embrace and conquer all the challenges of today.

Most winter sports’ leagues are coming to an end. I would like to thank everyone for the mass participation. It was a thrill to see 11 girls’ hockey teams in action on Saturday on our two Astro fields. Good luck to the hockey, netball and rugby teams for their last matches and in preparation for their playoffs.

I believe every learner is aware that the June exams start next Saturday. I hope they have already started studying or at least are preparing to study. It is very important that your children write all their papers, so familiarise yourself with the details of absenteeism during the exams. All the best also to our matrics who are facing a strenuous three weeks of academics in which the bulk of the curriculum will be completed in most subjects.