From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

International Day of Happiness – 20 March 2025

International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilise political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity.

The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed 20 March the International Day of Happiness (on 12 July 2012), recognising the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.

The International Day of Happiness is based on the belief that happiness is a fundamental human right, and that promoting happiness and well-being can lead to a more peaceful, equitable, and sustainable world. It is a day to celebrate the power of happiness to transform lives and make the world a better place for all.

Happiness is not about being happy all the time. It is a sense of contentment and positivity we have inside us that assists us through harder times as well as being able to enjoy the good times.

Experiencing happiness is important for our emotional and physical health. A stronger sense of happiness and wellbeing has been shown to lead to better relationships, increase social connection and contribution to the lives of others, as well as contributing to healthier physical wellbeing. Positive emotions increase satisfaction with life. Happiness helps people build stronger coping skills and emotional resources.

An article by Jeremy Sutton in Positive Psychology December 2024 lists eight signs that lead to happiness:

  • Life satisfaction
  • Positive emotions
  • Lower levels of negative emotions
  • Fulfillment of basic and psychological needs
  • Supportive social relationships
  • Meaning and purpose
  • Resilience
  • Engagement and flow (deep involvement/ being engrossed in tasks)

Martin Seligman (2002) argues that happiness has three dimensions that can be cultivated:

  • The regular experience of pleasantness (the pleasant life)
  • The frequent engagement of satisfying activities (the engaged life)
  • The experience of connectedness to a greater whole (the meaningful life)

For schools, prioritising well-being and happiness, gives renewed focus on bettering learning experiences – positive mental health and wellbeing for learning. Wellbeing is the foundation upon which risk taking, collaboration, problem solving (and many other soft skills) can occur which are essential for growth (in learning). MLC School prioritises wellbeing in our pastoral care programs, in how students learn and develop their social emotional learning capabilities, through our School Values and in how we nurture each individual student to grow and develop into their best selves.

So happy International Day of Happiness. Let’s not make happiness something we think about just on this dedicated day, but rather something to strive for every day to improve our overall lives and the lives of our children and families.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing