Torch - Spring 2018

Jack.org moves into the Junior School

the winter term their schedules conflict, so they are continuing the project development after school in the library. “It’s like our own two-person little SIT,” says Lee. Beyond Jack Beyond Jack.org, mental health support moments also happen in other ways at Havergal. Grade 8 student Katie Stock discussed how she participated in morning wellness activities, from mindfulness to martial arts and yoga, with her classmates in the Middle School. “This morning program is a great day to start the day relaxed and awake,” says Stock. Stock says that the activities help her learn about herself and ways that she can unwind to become focused for the day. “Personally, in the mornings I am very groggy and these wellness days relax my body and help wake me up. I have found that these activities have allowed me to realize how I can be calm throughout any stressful times,” she says. Stock, who already plays soccer, volleyball and rugby, is also involved as an Executive Member of the Middle School Student Council. She says she loves being involved at the school. “At Havergal, we have countless new opportunities where we can learn new skills or help others develop theirs. Havergal is such a supportive community; everyone encourages you to follow your passions and supports you through all the ups and downs,” she says.

Depression can affect anyone. And that’s a lot more dangerous, cause it’s a lot more widespread instead of keeping itself into one age group.

This year at the Junior School, Grade 6 students Hannah Lee and Emily Zhao are also raising awareness about mental health through Jack.org. While they started last fall by researching mental health issues in the Student Institute Team (SIT), the pair quickly identified Jack.org as a way to connect with the issue. Already, they’re writing an article on mental health that they plan to distribute in the spring along with a keepsake like a button or a bookmark. Clearly good friends, the two practically finish each other’s sentences when talking about the subject, sharing statistics and facts impressively. They are both adamant, too, that this is an issue for their peer group. “After having really bad emotions for a long time, they can eventually imprint on you,” says Zhao, noting that many younger students tend to bottle their emotions. Lee adds that it’s also about developing language to address depression and anxiety. “If you have depression when you’re younger and you’re not informed about it, you may not be able to identify it. They might think that it’s normal to feel that way even. But depression is something that you should get help for.” Zhao agrees. “Depression can affect anyone. And that’s a lot more dangerous, cause it’s a lot more widespread instead of keeping itself into one age group.” Both girls add that they’re happy for the support of the teachers in SIT, although in

—Emily Zhao, Grade 6

Staff member Carina Virtucio leads Middle School students through an introduction to Muay Thai, a form of martial arts.

24  HAVERGAL COLLEGE