Torch - 2021 Edition

A Dedicated Curriculum Part of the curriculum is devoted to Wellbeing Time in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6, where the Homeroom teachers run related activities in the morning. It could be a lesson or a topic that’s discussed in Prayers, followed by a small group exercise in their classroom. Or, it could be specific in terms of a topic, such as navigating friendships or having a challenging conversation with a friend. There are also physical challenges and mindfulness exercises that help students focus and boost their energy. In the Upper School, the Wellbeing curriculum is run by the Guidance Counsellors for students in Grades 7 to 12 and encompasses a variety of concepts. Norberg says it could be something like executive functioning skills in terms of how to plan your schoolwork for three weeks by chunking out your assignments—from utilizing different strategies to manage time appropriately, to identifying different aspects of a growth mindset or how to choose hope in times of difficulty. She notes that some of the themes repeat themselves, such as how to navigate difficult opportunities with friends, start a conversation with a peer or sustain a conversation with someone you don’t know. “It encompasses everything from fun activities where the kids are performing in drama activities, participating in badminton and spikeball competitions or using their artistic skills for a project, such as painting our outdoor equipment shed,” she explains. “These experiences allow students an opportunity to build social relationships with one another in a playful manner.”

This playfully decorated equipment shed was a collaboration of student artistic talent.

and system,” she says. This includes helping the administration determine the most basic ways of figuring out how to incorporate academics safely during a pandemic. In a regular year, McRae works very closely with the Boarding population at Havergal, helping to foster and develop resilience, coping and health- management skills. “Teaching life skills and coping throughout one’s lifespan is a huge aspect of how we are helping students to manage their health,” she says. “A big part of our role is really teaching them a lot of the skills that they need to manage their health while at school and into adulthood, and as leaders in our world.”

Physical Wellbeing Top of Mind When it comes to the physical health of students at Havergal, McRae is at the forefront. “We work one-on-one,” says the Lead Nurse, adding that because of 2020’s unique challenges presented by COVID-19, physical wellbeing is interwoven into every aspect of school. She and a team of nurses are largely managing the COVID-19 response as they help students and their families navigate all that it entails. “We try to give both parents and students the tools and understanding to navigate this new, changing world

2021 EDITION • TORCH 17