In October, we celebrated World Mental Health Day at Athena School! Pupils were given the opportunity to join in a ‘tea and talk’ event in their class groups. Pupils baked their own scones and were then able to enjoy this over tea, this also gave pupils the opportunity to have relaxed conversations with their class, as talking can be very beneficial for our mental health. Pupil’s PSHE learning this week was also based around mental health, we aim to provide pupils with several opportunities across the school year to discuss and reflect upon mental health as a topic.

Eight KS4 students with 95% attendance or above in the summer term were rewarded with some exciting opportunities at Activities Away over the past couple of weeks. The lake will not be available now until after the winter. We will be looking for eight students to take on the lake from April onwards. Keep that attendance high KS4!

The **MHST School Newsletter for September 2024** provides updates from the Mental Health Support Team (MHST) aimed at helping education staff, pupils, and families transition smoothly into the new academic year. Key points include:

1. **Welcome Message**: Encourages students and staff to reach out to MHST for support, especially in navigating the emotional challenges of a new school year.

2. **Back-to-School Tips**: Offers practical advice on transitioning back into school routines, such as organizing study spaces, setting goals, and adjusting sleep schedules.

3. **Whole School Approach to Mental Health**: Promotes a collaborative approach to integrating mental health into the school curriculum through drop-ins, workshops, assemblies, and staff consultations.

4. **Student Wellbeing Champions**: Highlights the role of student champions in promoting mental health awareness and supporting peers. They help organize events, raise awareness, and give feedback on mental health initiatives.

5. **Resources and Training**: Provides links to MHST podcasts, including episodes on school transitions and friendships, as well as training opportunities for staff focused on nurturing emotional wellbeing in children and young people.

6. **Friendship Advice**: Discusses common challenges in maintaining friendships, offering practical solutions like open communication, setting boundaries, and seeking help when needed.

The newsletter emphasizes the importance of mental health in schools, offering a variety of resources, training, and support systems to ensure a positive and supportive school environment.

Click here to access the MHST school newsletter Sept 2024

The new school app is now available for download on both iOS and Android devices. This app serves as an excellent tool for enhancing communication between parents, carers, and the school. With just a few taps, users can stay updated on important announcements, term times, news and receive real-time notifications about school events.

Find out more and get the App here

Welcome back to Athena School September 2024!

Starting school after the summer holidays can bring about lots of feelings, both positive and negative. We can be filled with excitement, as well as nerves and worry. 

Staff at Athena School are here to support current and new students transition back to school after the summer holidays. It can feel like a long break, so it can take a while to get back into the school routine.

Below are some links to websites or articles that may help parents, carers and students.

Transitioning back to school

Strategies for coping with anxiety and worry

Going back to school tips

Year 10 students embarked on an exciting three-day residential trip to the Peak District, packed with adventure and outdoor challenges. They enjoyed canoeing along scenic rivers, navigating the waters in teams, while also honing their precision in archery, aiming for the bullseye amidst beautiful natural surroundings. The highlight for many was abseiling down steep cliffs, testing their courage and teamwork. The trip was an unforgettable experience, filled with personal growth, new friendships, and memories of thrilling outdoor activities in one of the UK's most stunning landscapes.