Headteacher's Message – 06/02/26

Children’s Mental Health Week: This Is My Place

Next week, we will be celebrating Children’s Mental Health Week, and this year’s theme is This Is My Place. The theme focuses on the importance of belonging—feeling part of something meaningful, whether that’s a family, a school community, a group of friends, or a team.

When children feel a true sense of belonging, they feel happy, safe, confident, and ready to learn. Feeling connected to others supports positive mental health, helps children build resilience, improves friendships, and strengthens self-esteem.

What we’ll be exploring in school

Throughout the week, children will take part in activities and discussions that help them think about:

-  What makes them feel they belong.

-  The people and places that help them feel valued, welcomed, and accepted.

-  Ways they can help others feel included—through kindness, listening, and looking out for one another.

-  How we can celebrate our uniqueness and support each other in our school community.

We will also be sharing examples of “This Is My Place” from pupils so we can learn from one another about the moments, places, and people that help us feel happy and connected.

Continuing the conversation at home

Here are some simple ways families can nurture belonging:

Ideas from the children:

-  Spend time playing games or doing activities together

-  Talk openly about feelings and worries

-  Encourage friendships and opportunities to meet others

-  Make time to be around people who help you feel good

-  Make sure children know they have an adult to talk to when they’re unhappy

Additional tips:

Be authentic: Celebrate who you are as a family, and encourage children to be their true selves.

Embrace uniqueness: Help children notice and value their individual strengths.

Follow interests: Support children in taking part in clubs or hobbies they enjoy—shared interests help build connection.

Listen to feelings: Notice when children may be feeling lonely or disconnected and talk about what might help.

A Family Pack with further ideas and activities will be attached to this newsletter. We hope it helps you continue these important conversations at home and supports every child in St Mark’s school community to feel a true sense of belonging and worth. 

Have a super weekend, 

Mrs A Fitch and the Staff Team