Mr Fuchs says that each week, Assistant Principal Renee Curtis facilitates a range of classes aligning lifelong values, fundamental movements and positive psychology through various games, breathing exercises, guided stories and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation.
“Each lesson is developmentally appropriate and carefully designed to each specific year level, with ‘mindfulness’ meaning paying attention to the present moment,” Mr Fuchs said.
Miss Curtis said practising mindfulness had really helped students cope with pressures and deal with tough times.
“Their ability to regulate their emotions has improved significantly, with students presenting a much more calm and focused approach to their schooling; the benefits have been enormous,” she said.
The program has been designed for students with mild intellectual disabilities and mental health problems and has now been successfully implemented in a school wide program.
“Practising mindfulness can assist with managing stress; developing emotional resilience; enhancing creativity; enhancing decision making and problem solving; and a sense of calm, clarity and contentment,” Mr Fuchs added.
“Miss Curtis has worked hard to develop and build the safe and calming space in the ‘mindfulness’ room to further support the development of positive mental health and wellbeing at our school.”
‘Mindfulness’ classes helping youth to cope
HELPING students cope with the everyday pressures of adolescent life, Chester Hill’s Rowland Hassall School educators have introduced a dedicated ‘mindfulness’ room which has been achieving great results, according to Principal Greg Fuchs.