Your Health Matters.

We believe in an integrative and holistic approach to our students’ well-being. Mental and physical health are inextricably linked with their success in school. When a student is feeling happy, secure and confident, they are more likely to pay attention in class, participate and do well on tests. As well, when their physical health is in check, they are less likely to miss school and will sustain better energy and concentration throughout their days. 

The Whole Package.

 

Mindfulness.

The practice of mindfulness has gained a lot of traction in recent years around benefits for adults and this extends to children and adolescents as well. One of the ways to promote mindfulness is through the practice of meditation, which has been scientifically shown to rewire the brain. Some schools have even begun replacing detention with meditation - with astonishingly positive results! Some of the benefits students can expect when practicing mindfulness and meditation are:

  • Sharpened focus and attention span

  • Increased concentration in class

  • Higher emotional intelligence

  • Calmer, happier demeanours

  • Boosted self-awareness and self-regulation

Physical activity.

There is growing scientific evidence for the correlation between physical activity and academic performance in children and adolescents. Children who participate in team sports, do cardiovascular activities and even those who play active video games have shown to improve cognitive performance. Exercise releases endorphins, which elevate mood, increase concentration and promote better sleep. Whether your child is enrolled in sports or is simply encouraged to exercise, they will likely benefit from:

  • Enhanced attention and memory

  • Increased focus and behaviour in class

  • Happier mood

  • Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression

  • Better sleep

Healthy Diet.

Another growing area of research is exploring how diet can affect children and adolescents in their academic performance. It makes sense that the food students consume will affect their cognitive and behavioural functioning, given “various dietary components, including micronutrients such as folate, iron, and omega 3, have essential roles in brain development and functioning”. Children who eat breakfast have “improved cognitive function (especially memory), reduced absenteeism, and improved mood”. Consuming high amounts of sugar, for example, can lead to “sugar crashes” in the afternoon, making it harder for students to concentrate in class and resulting in more irritable behaviour. We offer support in planning some healthier breakfasts, lunches and snacks to promote a healthier lifestyle for you and your children.