Enhancing School Climate Intro: entering & in a time of profound change, an imperfect science as we are all in different contexts and situations. The elephant in the room is this change (jc). What change is currently the biggest challenge?.......JCT & Industrial Relations climate Within this there are universal truths/ideas that may guide us as leaders that will help us to navigate this change and possibly enhance the climate of our schools. it is an opportunity….?? The intro of wellbeing is hugely valuable. It is too important an area to be defined merely as a curriculum subject. It permeates all areas of school life. 4 areas from JCT presentation, curriculum, policy, culture, relationships Idea 1:  The language we use… climate and improvement – as opposed to culture and change When looking at school climate and school improvement, why choose wellness? We don’t claim any specific expertise : Give 4 1:5 examples from recent research on P’s and DP’s families, teenage mental health and obesity and single-parent families.   These show that wellness is v current, v challenging, v practical, has great potential as a conduit for enhancing school climate and school improvement Background info (Why select the ‘Wellness Agenda’ ? Because of the fact that its very current and very challenging!! There has been massive societal/cultural change Teachers working conditions and challenges –yellow pack! Current evidence / anecdotal feedback from all school communities regarding increased anxiety and mental health issues on the rise Possible curricular change Etc) Idea 1: The language we use… climate and improvement – as opposed to culture and change Give 4 1:5 examples from recent research on P’s and DP’s families, teenage mental health and obesity and single-parent families. through Well-ness

Some 1:5 Stats! Post-primary School Leaders: Close Family member with long term health condition (NAPD 2015) Students / Adolescents: Experiencing mental disorder (RCS 2013) Overweight, obese (IHF 2012) From single parent family (Census2011) Teachers: 5:5 You name it !!!

Why not? Why wellness? Activity1 Fundamental to teaching and learning Quality of relationships Healthy school – effective school Activity1 Why not?

….. is a conscious, self-directed and evolving Education ….. is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential National Wellness Institute Wisconsin

Enhancing school climate Today? Enhancing school climate Evaluate the merit of a whole school approach and practical ideas around it. Consider 4 ideas around your role. Language - Hattie & Mindset - inform language & can do attitude Trade in possibility Activity: Imagine you are a stakeholder. What word/response springs to mind when you hear the word ‘wellness’ in schools Q wellness v wellbeing???

1. Language

2. Leader as Prism External Factors IMPROVED REALITY Internal Dynamics SCHOOL Internal Dynamics External Factors YOU Activity; Having participated in this morning’s workshops on curriculum change and the introduction of JCT, what will you, as a leader do to mediate this change to yield an improved reality next year (possible suggestions might include, consultation, reassurance, clarity, affirmation, listening, CPD, minding myself, reflection, caring for the teacher, acknowledgement, support, meaningful relationships, ………) All stakeholders…. information shared with them to improve their mindset in relation to the importance of wellness Idea 2: Leader as prism/filter While very current and very important, there is a risk that the ‘Wellness Agenda’  in schools could be seen by staff as another in a long line of impositions from outside / DES / from above (like SSE, Literacy, Numeracy etc). In this context acknowledge that schools are not, and should not be the fix-all for social ills, parental issues, babysitting service. (Hattie – Teacher as cultural hero NOT whipping horse) Not withstanding this, a positive mind set from all stakeholders regarding wellness in schools will enhance the school experience for everyone. Introduce / float the idea that part of our role as leader is to act like a prism / filter - so that what is a very worthwhile perspective can be mediated to staff in a positive, bottom-up, organic, win-win way – thus maximising the potential for success and sustainable improvement and change. While very current and very important, there is a risk that the ‘Wellness Agenda’ in schools could be seen by staff as another in a long line of impositions from outside / DES / from above (like SSE, Literacy, Numeracy etc).

3. Leader as Custodian

4. Starting Point Is the initiative worthwhile for my school?

…starting Point…. What are we already doing in our school? An audit.....

Your School Reflect on your own school What is already in place that sustains wellness in your school community? Activity 2: participants reflect on their own school. Groups of 3. Brainstorm and write on A3 One remains and the other 2 wander – 5 mins Return with other ideas Feedback and discussion

Towards a whole school approach Induction – Student, PME, Staff Teacher Support, CPD, Team building Relationships, Communication Visibility of message throughout the school Teaching and Learning Groups will have come up with all of these and more!

Towards a whole school approach - continued Initiatives – focus weeks, competitions Student voice, student leaders Outside agencies, Speakers Parents Pastoral policy

Consider your own leadership style…. Activity: Consider your own leadership style…. room for enhancement?

School Climate Prism Starting Point Language