Preparing for a year of positive wellbeing with Haileybury’s captains

Every day of the school year is another opportunity for students to look after, or uplift, their wellbeing. With a positive mindset, self-care habits and a strong support network, students can thrive from Term 1 through to Term 4. Starting the year with a clear idea of how to look after their wellbeing is a great first step for students to feel more prepared to tackle the year ahead.

So, what are the signs your child is thriving in a positive mental state? As Diane Furusho, Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing, says, “A positive state of wellbeing is when students are flourishing. When they feel satisfied with their life, form deep social connections and feel that they have meaning and purpose in important areas of their life, such as in their learning and studies, they may experience positive emotions such as happiness, resilience, or the ability to bounce back when they face setbacks or challenges.”

Positive wellbeing looks and feels different for all of us, at all stages of life. It is important that adults give young people the space to explore what positive wellbeing means to them, as well as the steps they can take to maintain a healthier, happier mindset. This builds independence and empowers children to have ownership over their thoughts, feelings and wellbeing.

We asked this year’s Haileybury School Captains, Tim and Nia, to share their perspectives on wellbeing and how they look after themselves throughout the school year.

What does positive wellbeing mean to our senior students?

Wellbeing is about more than feeling happy all the time. It shows up in young people’s lives through balance, resilience and knowing how to manage the ups and downs of school life. From feeling more confident and more connected, individuals will have their own unique signs that they are in a good place mentally and emotionally.

Nia, Haileybury Girls School Captain, says, “It looks like a strong tribe you can fall back on, moments of laughter even during hard times, and a strong sense of purpose. Knowing that setbacks are temporary yet necessary, and that there is always a way forward ensures this balance and positive wellbeing.”

Navigating the challenges of a new school year

The beginning of a school year can bring plenty of excitement, as well as nerves or stress. New subjects, evolving friendships, multiple responsibilities and the pressure to succeed can all sometimes feel overwhelming. This is especially true for senior students, who are navigating both the expectations and the excitement that comes with such a milestone time in their lives.

Nia considers a fear of regret to be one of the main sources for anxiety for young people. “Many students are scared that they are going to miss out on their high school experience. At the same time, uncertainty about the future adds onto the pressure,” Nia says. “I often find myself questioning whether what I am doing is right and that I am on the right track. What if I am sailing in the wrong direction? Ultimately, much of this stress comes from handling expectations from both ourselves and others.”

How students might take steps to look after their wellbeing

While students might be feeling the pressure, knowing how to manage these expectations is key for maintaining a positive mindset throughout the year. It is natural to want to succeed and to have high expectations of ourselves, but having a sense of perspective for the bigger picture can help moderate the stress. Tim, Haileybury Boys School Captain, says “setting realistic goals is also imperative to staying motivated. Really just take things step by step and trust that everything will eventually work out well.”

Taking small steps to improve wellbeing can have a big impact. From getting enough sleep and staying active, to setting realistic goals and taking breaks, they all factor in to a more consistently positive state of wellbeing during the busy school year. “One way that we are planning to look after our wellbeing between now and the end of the year is through balancing our workload with breaks,” says Nia. “It is so easy to get caught up in the stress of SACs, but it is essential to take a moment to just relax, whether that be catching up with family and putting work away for a couple of hours or splitting some work between friends to lighten the workload.”

Leaning on other students for support

The friendships we form during our time at school can be some of the most meaningful in our entire lives. In having a strong support network of people sharing the same experience and understanding, young people can find common ground to connect, lean on for support and uplift each other’s wellbeing.

As Nia says, “there is an unspoken understanding that we are all in this together, and that makes the gruelling moments more manageable. We keep each other accountable, ensure that we always have our eyes on the prize, but also share a laugh and enjoying each other’s company.”

Tim counts his friendship group as an essential support, which in turn helps him to maintain a more positive frame of mind. “I generally turn to my close friends who can offer me advice, a fresh perspective or even just a space to vent,” he says. “Sometimes having someone listen makes all the difference. It’s not always about having to find a solution, but more about knowing that someone is there for you when you need it the most.”

For Nia, this shared experience and safe space to share is just as important. “Even just talking about what we are collectively going through helps lighten the load when things feel overwhelming,” she says. “In the end, the concept of ‘We are Haileybury’ will always remain ingrained in our minds, so we will support one another throughout the experience.”

How Haileybury supports students’ wellbeing

Haileybury is proud to have fostered a community where every student matters, every day. While students are encouraged and empowered to form their own strategies for positive wellbeing — and support each other — it is just as important that young people know there is always someone to turn to in the broader school community too.

“The School does a great job making sure no one feels like they have to navigate challenges alone. There is always someone willing to help, whether it is our teachers, the wellbeing team or even just the camaraderie among students,” says Nia. “My personal go-to person is my Head of House, who is always available for us whenever we need.”

As another school year unfolds, a positive sense of wellbeing can help students navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and make the most of their time at Haileybury. Whether it is setting personal goals, managing stress, leaning on friends, or seeking support when needed, small actions can have a lasting impact. Our Senior School Captains have shared their perspectives on positive wellbeing — and while this will vary from person to person, it is something we can all encourage and empower our children to strive for.