Enhancing School Climate 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) 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 wellness? Why not? Activity1 Fundamental to teaching and learning Quality of relationships Healthy school – effective school Why not? Activity1 because…. Our core endeavour is teaching and learning Emotions play a central part in learning Being able to initiate and sustain relationships is crucial to performance – Patricia O’Dwyer “the relationship between the student and subject teacher is the most significant relationship in the school community Staff need ways to manage the class dynamic so that learning can take place

Today? Consider 4 ideas around your role in enhancing school climate and in school improvement. Evaluate the merit of a whole school approach and practical proposals around it. Activity: Imagine you are a stakeholder. What word/response springs to mind when you hear the word ‘wellness’ in schools Q wellness v wellbeing???

….. is a conscious, self-directed and evolving Education ….. is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential Definition of Wellness: We all know what wellness is intuitively What does a well school look like, how do the stakeholders act (Background info General info & definition (by the National Wellness Institute) Definition of Wellness Wellness is a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of achieving full potential Wellness is multidimensional and holistic, encompassing lifestyle, mental and spiritual well-being, and the environment Wellness is positive and affirming The definition of wellness, long used by the National Wellness Institute is consistent with these tenets. Wellness is an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.   Applying Wellness By applying the Six Dimensional Model, a person becomes aware of the interconnectedness of each dimension and how they contribute to healthy living. This holistic model explains: How a person contributes to their environment and community, and how to build better living spaces and social networks The enrichment of life through work, and its interconnectedness to living and playing The development of belief systems, values, and creating a world-view The benefits of regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, strength and vitality as well as personal responsibility, self-care and when to seek medical attention Self-esteem, self-control, and determination as a sense of direction Creative and stimulating mental activities, and sharing your gifts with others Applying a wellness approach can be useful in nearly every human endeavour. As a pathway to optimal living, wellness is being applied to related fields, such as health promotion and holistic health, and has seen a growth in "helping professions" including counselling and medical arts and practices. The National Wellness Institute devised three questions that can help persons and organizations assess the degree to which wellness is incorporated into a particular approach or program: Does this help people achieve their full potential? Does this recognize and address the whole person(multi-dimensional approach)? Does this affirm and mobilize peoples' positive qualities and strengths? the National Wellness Institute-) National Wellness Institute Wisconsin

My Leadership Role External Factors IMPROVED REALITY Internal Dynamics SCHOOL External Factors Internal Dynamics YOU 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.

My Leadership Role My school’s Ecosystem Leader as Custodian Idea 3: School with its own micro-climate. Leader key to maintaining and enhancing Introduce / float the idea that schools can have a micro-climate / an ecosystem, which can remain positive and robust in the face of outside negativity and flux. The leader has a central role in mediating and maintaining this.

Starting Point…. Is the initiative worthwhile for my school? Any initiative – is this the right time? Is it sustainable? Is it worthwhile Yes – because….

Starting Point…. What are we already doing in our school? An audit..... Idea 4: Look to what we already have / are doing – celebrate and grow that Leading improvement - Activity: Consider what is already happening in your school that contributes to a well climate – Groups of three – 2 wander – back – feedback – each group gives one

Your School Reflect on your own school What is already in place that and 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

Activity: Consider what initiative you might implement from today & how

School Climate Eco system Starting Point Prism Language Recap on 4 main ides around leading school improvement