In today's fast-paced, interconnected world, children face increasing pressures that can impact their mental health. At International School HCMC (ISHCMC), we believe that prioritizing student wellbeing is essential for their academic success and overall development. To commemorate World Mental Health Day 2024 let’s take a look at 8 ways we are nurturing positive mental wellbeing. 

1. A Team of Dedicated Social-Emotional Counselors

Our dedicated Student Support Services Team, led by Dr. Hana Adams, provides comprehensive support to our students. Our social and emotional counselors offer guidance, strategies, and therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and art therapy to help students navigate challenges, manage stress, and build healthy relationships.“When students can navigate their social world and manage their emotions they are more readily available to receive academic content.”  - Adrian Elmo, Primary School Counselor Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead. 

2. A Bespoke Wellbeing Curriculum

Last year, we introduced our bespoke Positive ISHCMC Program (POSISH), a transformative social-emotional learning curriculum. POSISH equips students with essential life skills, fosters positive relationships, and promotes responsible digital citizenship. This program aligns with international standards and is designed to meet the unique needs of our diverse student body.

This innovative program aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and is mandated by our accrediting bodies of the International Baccalaureate (IB) the Council for International Schools (CIS) and New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It has been developed with the expertise of multiple community stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

3. Professional Development Opportunities

We believe that collaboration is key to providing the best possible care for our students. Our team actively engages with external organizations like the International School Counselor Association (ISCA) and this year we are excited to announce that we are now a Special Education Network and Inclusion Association (SENIA) school. 

ISCA provides a safe, open-minded environment for counselors to stay current on best professional practices and learn about different resources and tools to support our students to thrive and grow. SENIA champions inclusion by creating awareness of neurodiversity, providing learning opportunities and networking for professionals and families, and advocating for inclusive education. Being a SENIA School means ISHCMC proudly advocates for and supports inclusive education. Later this month we are due to host two vital professional development sessions; a session on Youth Mental Health by RMIT and Applied Suicide Prevention Intervention Training (ASIST) to recognize those at risk to self-harm. 

4. Global Be Well Day 

Earlier this month, 2 campuses took part in our Cognita Global Be Well Day. Together we shared some unforgettable moments, moving our bodies, calming our minds, opening our hearts, and giving back to our communities. Our students took part in mindfulness activities, moved their bodies, learned new skills, and expressed gratitude. Gratitude is linked to a 25% increase in happiness.

5. Balance Academic Excellence with Holistic Education

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression by up to 45% and expressing yourself through art can boost self-esteem and confidence. At ISHCMC, we balance academic success with personal fulfillment in sports and the arts. We place a lot of value on moving our bodies and getting creative. As a community, we celebrate our athletic superstars, artists, and musicians just as much as we celebrate our academic achievers. Everyone is encouraged to find their passion and follow their path.

6. Inclusivity and Personalised Learning

This year we added Inclusion to our core values (Inclusion, Curiosity, Achievement, Resilience, Empathy). Inclusion and belonging are built into our school ethos. We are not a selective school and we do our best to provide pathways and learning support so that every single child can reach their full potential. We personalize learning to meet the needs of each individual to ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop at the right pace and not feel overwhelmed with academic stress and anxiety. 

7. Giving Back

The article “Is Generosity Good for Your Health” explores the benefits of generosity, arguing that it's not only a selfless act but also has positive effects on the giver. Dr. Kelli Harding, a psychiatrist, explains that generosity can boost mood, self-esteem, and immune system while reducing stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. It also fosters social connections, which are essential for overall well-being and academic achievement. By encouraging acts of kindness and service, we can help students develop empathy, compassion, and a sense of belonging, which in turn ensures that they can achieve their full potential. Students are consistently involved with social impact activities, such as setting up libraries in rural communities, fundraising and volunteering their time to sort through donations for Typhoon Yagi survivors. We are also excited to announce a new partnership with Anh Chi Em, that will provide our students with a number of exciting opportunities to give back to local communities and boost their self-esteem and wellbeing while they’re at it. 

8. Safe and Nurturing Spaces

On both campuses, we also have our designated safe spaces, our zen den, and consciousness room where students can go to unwind, cool down, and reflect on big emotions. Our campuses are also filled with green spaces to help students stay connected to nature, even in a big city like HCMC. 

At International School HCMC, we believe that nurturing the mental wellbeing of our students is as essential as fostering their academic growth. By implementing a comprehensive approach that includes dedicated counseling services, a bespoke wellbeing curriculum, professional development opportunities, global initiatives, balanced education, inclusivity, and community engagement, we are creating a supportive and nurturing environment where our students can thrive.

We are committed to providing the resources and support necessary for our students to develop the resilience, emotional intelligence, and positive mindset needed to navigate the challenges of today's world. Through our efforts, we aim to equip our students with the tools they need to lead fulfilling and successful lives.