2. Enhancing School Climate
Intro: entering & in a time of profound change, an imperfect science as we are all in different contexts and situations. The elephant in the room is this change (jc).
What change is currently the biggest challenge? JCT & Industrial Relations climate
Within this there are universal truths/ideas that may guide us as leaders that will help us to navigate this change and possibly enhance the climate of our schools. it is an opportunity….??
The intro of wellbeing is hugely valuable. It is too important an area to be defined merely as a curriculum subject. It permeates all areas of school life. 4 areas from JCT presentation, curriculum, policy, culture, relationships
Idea 1:  The language we use… climate and improvement – as opposed to culture and change
When looking at school climate and school improvement, why choose wellness?
We don’t claim any specific expertise :
Give 4 1:5 examples from recent research on P’s and DP’s families, teenage mental health and obesity and single-parent families.  
These show that wellness is v current, v challenging, v practical, has great potential as a conduit for enhancing school climate and school improvement
Background info
(Why select the ‘Wellness Agenda’ ? Because of the fact that its very current and very challenging!!
There has been massive societal/cultural change
Teachers working conditions and challenges –yellow pack!
Current evidence / anecdotal feedback from all school communities regarding increased anxiety and mental health issues on the rise
Possible curricular change
Etc)
Idea 1: The language we use… climate and improvement – as opposed to culture and change
Give 4 1:5 examples from recent research on P’s and DP’s families, teenage mental health and obesity and single-parent families.
through Well-ness

3. Some 1:5 Stats! Post-primary School Leaders:
Close Family member with long term health condition (NAPD 2015)
Students / Adolescents:
Experiencing mental disorder (RCS 2013) Overweight, obese (IHF 2012)
From single parent family (Census2011)
Teachers: 5:5 You name it !!!

4. Why not? Why wellness? Activity1 Fundamental to teaching and learning
Quality of relationships
Healthy school – effective school
Activity1
Why not?

5. ….. is a conscious, self-directed and evolving
Education
….. is a conscious, self-directed and evolving
process of achieving full potential
National Wellness Institute Wisconsin

6. Enhancing school climate
Today?
Enhancing school climate
Evaluate the merit of a whole school approach and practical ideas around it.
Consider 4 ideas around your role.
Language - Hattie & Mindset - inform language
& can do attitude
Trade in possibility
Activity: Imagine you are a stakeholder. What word/response springs to mind when you hear the word ‘wellness’ in schools
Q wellness v wellbeing???

7. 1. Language

8. 2. Leader as Prism External Factors IMPROVED REALITY Internal Dynamics
SCHOOL
Internal Dynamics
External Factors
YOU
Activity;
Having participated in this morning’s workshops on curriculum change and the introduction of JCT, what will you, as a leader do to mediate this change to yield an improved reality next year
(possible suggestions might include, consultation, reassurance, clarity, affirmation, listening, CPD, minding myself, reflection, caring for the teacher, acknowledgement, support, meaningful relationships, ………)
All stakeholders…. information shared with them to improve their mindset in relation to the importance of wellness
Idea 2: Leader as prism/filter
While very current and very important, there is a risk that the ‘Wellness Agenda’  in schools could be seen by staff as another in a long line of impositions from outside / DES / from above (like SSE, Literacy, Numeracy etc).
In this context acknowledge that schools are not, and should not be the fix-all for social ills, parental issues, babysitting service. (Hattie – Teacher as cultural hero NOT whipping horse)
Not withstanding this, a positive mind set from all stakeholders regarding wellness in schools will enhance the school experience for everyone.
Introduce / float the idea that part of our role as leader is to act like a prism / filter - so that what is a very worthwhile perspective can be mediated to staff in a positive, bottom-up, organic, win-win way – thus maximising the potential for success and sustainable improvement and change.
While very current and very important, there is a risk that the ‘Wellness Agenda’ in schools could be seen by staff as another in a long line of impositions from outside / DES / from above (like SSE, Literacy, Numeracy etc).

9. 3. Leader as Custodian

10. 4. Starting Point
Is the initiative worthwhile for my school?

11. …starting Point…. What are we already doing in our school?
An audit.....

12. Your School Reflect on your own school What is already in place that
sustains wellness in your school community?
Activity 2: participants reflect on their own school.
Groups of 3. Brainstorm and write on A3
One remains and the other 2 wander – 5 mins
Return with other ideas
Feedback and discussion

13. Towards a whole school approach
Induction – Student, PME, Staff
Teacher Support, CPD, Team building
Relationships, Communication
Visibility of message throughout the school
Teaching and Learning
Groups will have come up with all of these and more!

14. Towards a whole school approach - continued
Initiatives – focus weeks, competitions
Student voice, student leaders
Outside agencies, Speakers
Parents
Pastoral policy

15. Consider your own leadership style….
Activity:
Consider your own leadership style….
room for enhancement?

16. School Climate
Prism
Starting Point
Language