As we approach the school holidays, let's reflect on Term 3 and focus on a crucial aspect of student life at Concordia College – wellbeing. The Middle School years are marked by rapid change, growth and challenges. For this reason, I want to stress the importance of student wellbeing during this time and offer tips to support their wellbeing during the holiday break and beyond.

The quote by Greek philosopher and the founder of Stoicism, Zeno, "Well-being is realised by small steps, but is truly no small thing," compresses the essence of our approach to student wellbeing at Concordia. It reminds us that the path to wellbeing is not a giant leap but a series of small, deliberate steps that, when practiced consistently, lead to a significant positive impact on one's life.

As we prepare to bid farewell to Term 3 and welcome the much-awaited school holidays at the end of this week, I want to encourage our students to prioritise self-care. A balanced lifestyle contributes to better mental and emotional health, which, in turn, enhances academic performance. Simple activities like mindfulness and relaxation, regular exercise, journalling, consuming a healthy diet and maintaining social connections can all make a big difference in supporting wellbeing in the long run.

Achieving a balance between pursuing academic growth and success and dedicating time to relaxation, leisure and self-care is fundamental to our overall wellbeing. I encourage students to use the holiday break wisely, dedicating time to rest, relaxation and fun activities. Learning to prioritise and organise their responsibilities during this holiday period helps reduce feelings of overwhelm and will see them return to school in Term 4 with renewed energy and a sense of purpose to finish the year.

As we start to think about Term 4, it is important to also emphasise the significance of kindness and gratitude. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, create a positive ripple effect within the College community. Expressing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of life can significantly enhance the wellbeing of ourselves and others around us.

So, to conclude, nurturing student wellbeing is a collective effort at Concordia and this understanding is seldom more important to consider than as we reach the end of Term 3. I hope this article serves as a reminder that small, consistent steps towards self-care, healthy relationships, balanced priorities and kindness have a profound impact on our students' lives. Let us continue to support and guide our students on their journey towards wellbeing, knowing that these small steps are truly no small thing.

Clay Watkins
Middle School Leader