Category Archives: Wellbeing Blog

Monday Morning

Good morning from all of us to all of you.  As always, we hope that you are well and finding positive ways to navigate through these strange times. We are working hard behind the scenes to create memorable, engaging learning experiences for all our pupils. We do, however, recognise the importance of good mental health in order to access any type of learning. We appreciate all that families are doing to support one another. If at any time you need to contact us please do so using the online form. Stay Safe. Together we are Team MC.

Please remember self care for adults is so important too.

And finally, some Monday Motivation…

 

Clap for Carer Shout Outs!

Clap for Carers!!

What an amazing response!

Well done to everyone that got in touch requesting a shout out for their family heroes!

Anyone that didn’t get a chance can email and I will give a shout out next Thursday…

Today our school community want to say a big, enormous, massive thank you to…

Lynne, who is a biomedical scientist and relation of May in P6.

Aline, mum to Jamila P6, Kamili P5 and Ntale soon to be P1, working hard as part of the NHS at Crosshouse Hospital!

Caitlin in P4 has asked for her Aunt Claire, a nurse, her Uncle Gary, a lorry driver and her Papa, a postman to get a big SHOUT OUT!!

Aidan in P4 has organised a shout out for his mum Laura, she is also a key worker.

Oliver in P4 has nominated his mum, she is working hard as a dentist!

Logan in P3 is clapping for his Uncle John, an ICU nurse at Crosshouse hospital and his mum who is working as part of the EA Hit Squad; she is looking after the shielding community. Great Job!

Sophie P4 and soon to be P1 Luke would like us to mention their Papa, delivering mail, Dad driving his lorry and Mum working as a nurse.

Hannah P3 and Katie soon to be P1 would like their Dad to receive a shout out for working as a Navigation Officer on a great big StenaLine ferry. Super Sailing!

Evie P6 is sending massive thanks to her Aunt Susan who works for the NHS!

Jessica P1 and Olivia P7 are sending virtual hugs to their Aunt Leanne who is a hardworking nurse!

We are so proud and grateful to all of you. We will clap for you all tonight. Together we are Team MC.

Monday Motivation!

Another Monday, some days fly by and others pass slower.  As always we hope that all our families are well, and staying safe at home. P6 designed a Monday Motivation banner to help lift spirits, we think it is Fab!

At MC primary we use PATHS as one of our Health and Wellbeing resources. We would love you at home to pick a ‘Family Member of the Day’. We usually have a ‘Pupil of the Day’ who receives compliments from their classmates. Adapting to our current situation, we would love if families could share this experience.

Look after yourself and each other. Together we are Team MC.

 

Try to relax

As another working week comes to an end, we wish you a relaxing weekend with your loved ones. Remember to take time to relax and try and grab some time to yourself for a lie down , bubble bath or book.  Stay Safe. Together we are Team MC.

And remember lots of fun experiences are so valuable for everyone during this time. Making memories as a family.

 

Hope you are well.

Our Mount Carmel family hope that you are well, these times can be daunting for adults and children alike. Here are some resources that may help emotional health, some for adults and some for children. Stay safe. Together we are Team MC.

            

And finally some Monday Motivation…

As always if you need to contact the staff for any questions or support please use online form.

 

 

 

At home relaxation!

During these troubling times, we are aware our children may be feeling scared, worried or anxious without the familiarity and routine of an ordinary school day.

I have attached some links and activity ideas which may help to relieve some worry or anxiety and will hopefully help our children to feel a little bit better during these uncertain times.

These activities are only a suggestion, there is no requirement to complete these, they are here to help should you feel your child may need them.

Activity Ideas:

Paths Mood Chart & Check in

By drawing the emotions from our Paths mood chart, using the emotions faces children are used to, children create their own mood metre and indicate daily, by pointing or putting a sticker on the emotion they are feeling. Parents and siblings can do the same and encourage children to talk about their feelings. Having a ‘family check in’ where you share your worries and feelings, can have a positive effect and help to relieve some of their worries or concerns.

Daily Diary

By keeping a daily diary and writing down the emotions you are feeling, this can be a positive way to release some of the worry you may be feeling.

Relaxation/Breathing

This video encourages controlled breathing and visualisation, which may help to relieve any stress or muscle tension children are experiencing.

Massage

Our school have had inputs on massage, which can be a relaxing way to wind down, or prepare for a good night’s sleep. Below are a few of those massage techniques children should be familiar with:

Head massage

Back massage

Try doing it as a family!

As always, any child who feels they may benefit from a chat with me, can email me, at any time, during this holiday period or otherwise, and I will be sure to be in touch.

Take care of each other!

Mrs Travers

Health and Wellbeing Links

 

Health and Wellbeing Links

 

During this difficult period it is important to stay physically and mentally fit.  Below are some suggestions to ensure that you are able to look after your health and wellbeing and have fun too!  Click on the links in the headings.

 

 

Mental Health

 

Despite being stuck indoors and applying rules of social distancing, we can keep in contact with people we care about through technology.  Staying connected with people helps our mental wellbeing.  Agree regular check-in times with friends or family either by phone or online – this helps people feel connected.  Video calling via apps such as FaceTime and Skype allows you to see people as well giving you face to face interaction despite being miles apart.   WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger also have video calling functions.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed. Take a break from using social media or watching the news, which can make you more anxious. Staying informed is important but stick to trusted sources of information such as Government, World Health Organisation and NHS websites.

 

Young Scot

Find out more about what you can do if you are feeling anxious and worried, and how you can support others in your community.

 

Action for Happiness calendar

Mindful March – daily things to do in March to help you be mindful and live in the moment.

 

Mental Health and Wellbeing tips

NHS Ayrshire and Arran website giving ideas and help on ways to improve mental wellbeing.

 

Aye Mind

Online resources to help with a variety of mental health issues. Check out the Resources section.

 

Help For Parents

This website is aimed at parents who are supporting a young person with a mental health problem.

 

Physical Health

 

Children and young people should be trying to exercise for an average of 60 minutes a day throughout the week to encourage a healthy development of bones and muscles. This physical activity can be moderate in nature and include activities such as walking, cycling and playing outdoor games.  Aim to vary the intensity of the activity through the week.  Try to avoid being stationary for long periods. You can find more guidance on how much you should exercise here.

 

PE with Joe Wicks

The Body Coach will lead you through a 30 minute workout.  Tune in live to his channel on YouTube every morning at 9.  Don’t worry if you miss it, you can watch his videos later in the day.  Even the adults are taking part!

 

10 Minute Shake Up games

Change4Life website with games based on famous Disney and Pixar movies.  Ideal for younger children.

 

NHS Fitness Ideas

Free and easy fitness ideas to help you stay active.

 

Play@home

Play ideas for in the garden or in the house.  Ideal for young children and toddlers.  Instructions are also in Polish.

 

Facebook – Lockdown Tips & Ideas

A group has been created called Family Lockdown Tips & Ideas to share ideas for loads of indoor and garden activities.

 

Hopefully you will give a few of these activities a go and it would be nice to see your children taking part in these activities.  Photos can be sent to class teachers via Glow and can be posted on the Blog.

 

Thank you.  Have fun and stay safe.

 

Team Mount Carmel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting your child’s wellbeing

The Coronavirus outbreak has led to a high degree of worry, uncertainty and concern for both children and adults.  Our children are very aware of what is taking place and it may cause them to feel anxious and unsure about their safety.

It is important to encourage children to talk their feelings within a safe context, at the same time as maintaining a sense of normality, routine and calm. Supporting children will enable them to process and manage their feelings and help build resilience.

You may find these suggestions helpful:
– Reassure children and young people that they are safe: Children benefit from regular reassurance that they are safe, and being reminded that adults will do what they can to keep them safe.
– Let children know that it is alright to be upset, all feelings are okay.
– Create a routine include some work, play and exercise in this.
– Emphasise their resilience and strengths: Focus on the strengths of our children and young people, in terms of their daily life. Help them to see and acknowledge that they have many strengths to help them cope if they are feeling anxious or upset.
– Look for opportunities to help others: Acts of kindness, charity and humanity help to restore positivity and has huge benefits for our own well-being.