1. 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

2. 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 !!!

4. 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

5. 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???

6. ….. 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

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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!

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

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

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