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    A message from Mrs Pipe

    13/5/2022

     
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    This week is Mental Health Awareness Week and the theme that we have all been asked to consider this year is loneliness.
    Loneliness is something we have all experienced or will experience at different times in our lives and was one of the most significant factors of mental health issues in the CV19 pandemic.

    We all went through Lockdowns and extended periods of time not being able to see those we care about and love and with this we missed out on times where we could feel cared for and ensure those, we love felt cared for and loved. For some people they saw no one for days, weeks, or months; not even via a screen. I cannot imagine how difficult this time must have been for people living on their own during that time.

    In school we spent time reflecting on how it feels inside when we are feeling lonely. The children shared things such as:
    • sad
    • feeling on the outside
    • feeling like no one wants you
    • feeling left out
    • wondering why no one wants to be with you
    • worried that the feeling will stay
     
    We spoke about the difference between being lonely and being alone. I asked the question; does being alone mean you are lonely? Again, the children were very thoughtful, and we came up with the idea that being alone is a choice, whereas being lonely isn’t.
    We went on to speak about our School Value of Health and Happiness and how we each have a role in making sure everyone in our school feels loved and cared for. We spoke about what we could each do to make sure others in our school were not left to experience loneliness. They shared their ideas:
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    • include others in our games
    • notice if someone is on their own and check with them- do they want to be alone or are they feeling lonely and needing a friend
    • be kind to one another, smile at others when we see them in the corridor or playground, a smile can be just what someone needs to see
    • listen to each other and be there when things feel hard
    • don’t make choices that leave others out, find things that everyone can do and join in with
     
    Shaun Tan’s book The Red Tree is a beautiful graphic novel that explores the topic of loneliness through pictures and minimal words. Have a look at this link if you would like to see for yourself.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrmMFFpKxgw
     
    Beegu by Alexis Deacon is another beautifully illustrated story focused on this same theme. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaX_zGZO0Y8
     
    We all have an impact on how others feel and we can choose to be kind and thoughtful and this choice makes all the difference.
     
    Have a happy weekend with those you love and care for.
     
    Mrs Pipe

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    Orchard Way
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    Devon 
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