From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Connection and belonging

Life is better together. People with strong relationships are happier, healthier and live longer. Feeling connected to other people is at the heart of happiness – theirs and ours.

Inclusivity is highly valued at MLC School. We aim to be a welcoming and inclusive community where all members feel a sense of connection and belonging.

With the academic year just starting, it is a good time to think about how we come together as an inclusive community and support all members to build connections and to feel like we all belong.

There are many opportunities to come together, such as the Principal’s Welcome Event last week. We look forward to the Junior School Cardboard Challenge at the end of March.

Even tiny moments matter – chatting with a child, parent or teacher in the morning, messaging a friend or smiling at people you see, all help someone else feel seen and connected.

Stronger connections can be made by asking more curious questions when you do talk to people. Starting with the usual ‘how are you today?’ can be followed by ‘how was your weekend?’ or ‘what do you like about the local area?’ or ‘what’s the best thing in your week so far?’ This makes people feel seen and shows them you are taking an interest in them.

Really listening is another way to build connections. Listening is like a superpower. Listen whilst someone is talking and then reflect what they said – pick something they’ve said and repeat it back. This shows them you have really heard them.

Staying connected can be hard in these busy times. Rituals of connection can be helpful here. Try diarising a day each week to come into the school so you can connect with other parents or ask someone to have a coffee from the canteen and use the café tables. A friend and I were talking about this in the holidays and we have decided to make our next catchup date each time we see each other.

Our social connections are one of the most vital ingredients for our happiness. Let’s all help each other to feel connected, included and like we belong.

‘The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up.’ Mark Twain

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing