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28/03/24

Students who attained Diamond (350) and Emerald (500) positive points this half term, celebrated their achievement at the Rewards Breakfast with Mr Jones during break time today. Well done, and keep it up! pic.twitter.com/U30qncFLxj— Valley Park School () March 28, 2024

26/03/24

On 18 April, join us for an uplifting event in our community, supporting those living with dementia. Find out more and register your place here: https://t.co/5GNCd0zjYt pic.twitter.com/kQi9VS7AXc— Valley Park School () March 26, 2024

23/03/24

Valley Park’s SHUSH (Second Hand Uniform Shop) is open on Year 8 Parents Evening, Tuesday 26 March 4.30pm-6.30pm. Payment by card only. Swap Shop also available. Donations and pre-loved uniform always welcome. https://t.co/qWdK4N0QS0 pic.twitter.com/goBg3i82KM— Valley Park School () March 23, 2024

21/03/24

So you've got your tickets for , but you just can't wait to catch a glimpse of the show before you go? There's a page for that: https://t.co/EdDAwz88XC — Valley Park School () March 21, 2024

20/03/24

It's showtime - good luck to the cast and crew of Grease for tonight! Break a leg! https://t.co/Di6a9JQiGS pic.twitter.com/K3clxiuIva— Valley Park School () March 20, 2024

19/03/24

We're looking for parent champion volunteers to help us with our second-hand uniform shop (SHUSH) to raise money for our Hardship funds. The next shop is at Year 8 Parents Evening on 26th March 2024. If you're willing to help, please visit our SHUSH page: https://t.co/qWdK4N0QS0 pic.twitter.com/HWZ5kpfNhN— Valley Park School () March 19, 2024

18/03/24

Only 48 hours to go - don't be a drop out - get your tickets now! https://t.co/Di6a9JQiGS pic.twitter.com/SZp2YCnn2a— Valley Park School () March 18, 2024

17/03/24

We need good condition school uniform donations for SHUSH, our second hand uniform shop. In particular we're looking for skirts, blazers, jumpers, ties, and any new Year 7 uniform. Please bring your items to reception between 9am and 4pm. https://t.co/qWdK4N0QS0 pic.twitter.com/7ZdO2CgnjS— Valley Park School () March 17, 2024

15/03/24

Today a group of Dance and PA students went to Move It at the London Excel. A day packed with college and career conversations, pop-up performances and even support for former Valley Park students on the big stage. A proud day! pic.twitter.com/9304cpyJRW— Valley Park School () March 15, 2024

15/03/24

Tell me more, tell me more, did your tickets get booked? https://t.co/Di6a9JQiGS pic.twitter.com/2iOHYX10YW— Valley Park School () March 15, 2024

14/03/24

On Sat, Year 8 student, Amy, competed at the British Schools Championships for Judo where she represented Valley Park. Amy fought really well against a tough group and came away with a fantastic bronze medal. Well done, Amy! pic.twitter.com/hLv58vWGIW— Valley Park School () March 14, 2024

13/03/24

Only 1 week until Grease the Musical - don't miss out. Get your tickets here: https://t.co/Di6a9JQiGS pic.twitter.com/myoHG3JaDR— Valley Park School () March 13, 2024

11/03/24

Why, this show is automatic, it's systematic, it's hydromatic! Go, go go, get your tickets now! https://t.co/Di6a9JQiGS pic.twitter.com/ahYvcivtr9— Valley Park School () March 11, 2024

10/03/24

Valley Park + Grease The Musical - We go together, and that's the way it should be! https://t.co/Di6a9JQiGS pic.twitter.com/hcUhN7KvJr— Valley Park School () March 10, 2024

09/03/24

Year 11s: Time is running out to buy your leaver's hoodie! The shop closes on 11 March. Refer to the letter sent home for login details. https://t.co/cdMkhzBTvG#wearevalleypark pic.twitter.com/MJd05xwBrf— Valley Park School () March 9, 2024

08/03/24

Key Stage 3, how will you spend your free book voucher from World Book Day? pic.twitter.com/VsGFOlkmW3— Valley Park School () March 8, 2024

08/03/24

pic.twitter.com/AExD66bBGk— Valley Park School () March 8, 2024

08/03/24

Happy International Women's Day!We're celebrating women who have changed the world. Here's all of the amazing women who have received the and their remarkable achievements at the time of the award.Who are the women who inspire you the most?#IWD2024 pic.twitter.com/yZXLi5zYJh— The Nobel Prize () March 8, 2024

08/03/24

Wearing purple for International Women’s Day! pic.twitter.com/G7URtKlQ8C— Valley Park School () March 8, 2024

08/03/24

You're the one that we want - have you got your tickets for Grease the Musical? https://t.co/Di6a9JQiGS pic.twitter.com/cqjm25i2ix— Valley Park School () March 8, 2024

07/03/24

For , teachers chose passages from their beloved childhood books and narrated them in the style of the classic children's show, Jackanory: https://t.co/WzVRcyM1qu pic.twitter.com/oaoW6uetER— Valley Park School () March 7, 2024

07/03/24

An international author has recorded a video message for our students to celebrate and - Read our news article here: https://t.co/rpz5ckqgtH pic.twitter.com/JU4EkfalC4— Valley Park School () March 7, 2024

07/03/24

World Book Day double-act fun with today! pic.twitter.com/q28WKIGPWw— Gianna Pollero () March 7, 2024

07/03/24

is a celebration of reading for pleasure.Our mission is to change lives through a love of books and reading.We want to know how you're encouraging children to - show us with the hashtag! pic.twitter.com/mhEl4k3I00— World Book Day UK 📚 () March 6, 2024

Blog

Posted on: May 20th 2020

Just Breathe!

Mental Health Awareness week is an excellent opportunity to highlight mental health and the affect it has on our minds and bodies.  

At the moment we’re in the middle of a global pandemic and these are unprecedented times. 

How much does that sentence baffle you and increase anxiety? How many of you know what unprecedented and global pandemic means? 

Epidemic is a large outbreak of a disease, such as the flu during Winter, or chickenpox. If lots of people are catching chickenpox or the flu, it’s an epidemic. A pandemic is an epidemic which has spread over much larger areas. A global pandemic is an epidemic which has spread around the world.

Unprecedented means unknown or unheard of before – for example, me managing to work out a maths equation!

These are all words which need to be used in the correct context – but they’re less worrying once explained.

Having things explained to us makes us all a little less anxious. Yes, we all have to try to stay indoors and stay safe but we can also try not to worry too much.

All the emotions you and your family members may have felt over the past few months are completely normal. We’re out of routine, we don’t know what’s going to happen, we’ve never felt like this before – why is this happening? 

If you feel like this, stop for a second and breathe. Just breathe. You’re safe and well and need to ground yourself.

If you do find yourself becoming overwhelmed with emotions, try some simple steps to relax:

Grounding techniques

These techniques are really good when you’re feeling anxious.

You could also try the countdown. This is excellent when you’re in situations where you’re starting to feel overwhelmed but can’t possibly remove yourself from whatever is causing stress – for example, waiting to go into an exam, being in a large crowd, being in assembly or waiting to perform something in front of an audience. If you can master this simple technique, it can help in so many areas and it really does work.

Countdown exercise

Simple things can be done to improve your mental health. Maintaining routine is very important, as is eating well and getting enough sleep. These will all make you feel mentally better. This week our focus is kindness; being kind makes us feel good, being unkind does not.

I’ve been  delivering food to my Mum regularly, as she’s staying safe in her house. Every time I shop, I add something nice to the delivery that she hasn’t asked for. This week was a pack of walnut whips. 

Walnut Whips

After I deliver her shopping to her - from a safe distance - she enjoys finding the item and calls me afterwards. She told me every food shopping delivery day is like Christmas! Now, if you’re like me, you’ll be thinking, wow she’s easily pleased as that’s nowhere near as good as Christmas. But, to her it’s everything and that makes me feel so good about myself and it improves her mental health too.

Try to always #BeKind, as being unkind has the exact opposite effect on peoples’ mental health and I’m sure you can all think of examples of this on social media platforms and in the news. Social media can be used to our advantage – for example, I share anything I think might make someone else’s day brighter. At the moment that may be home-schooling tips, mental health support or how to make a T-Rex from a milk carton (yes, that’s actually a thing  - as is making honey from dandelions, who knew?). 

When I come across comments or articles I disagree with, rather than stopping and commenting, I scroll past them, because every one of us is entitled to our own opinions, even if they differ from someone else’s.

Other things can make us feel good and these may be different for every one of us. I like spending time with my children and my cats. I like to listen to music and sing very loudly. I like to dance, (albeit badly!). I love books and films too, so when I need to switch off I’ll immerse myself in a good book or film. 

What makes you feel good? Let me know – I’d love to hear from you!

No matter what we do or how we cope, time will keep passing and soon enough this lockdown period will be over and we’ll be better for it. Some of us will have just about coped, some of us will have learned new skills but we’ll all come out of this stronger – Valley Park, our staff and our students will be a closer, stronger community.

I’ve added some links below just in case you’d like some extra support. Please remember, if ever you feel completely overwhelmed, do talk to someone at home if you can and, if not, then I’m always at the end of an email. 

I can’t wait to see you all again and, when I do, I want to hear all about your activities and how you’ve coped and adapted. Stay strong and remember this, you have become part of history and you are the generation that kept its cool, adapted – and stayed home to keep everyone safe. For achieving that, you are amazing!

 

KJ title


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