New Year’s resolutions are common conversation starters at this time of year, and Balmoral Hall School is embracing that spirit of intention with a Wellness Day Exposition.
Students at Balmoral Hall School participate in guided relaxation exercise Fri. Jan. 15. Photo by Jennifer Pawluk
On a crisp, clear morning, students, wearing their coziest activewear, participated in a series of brief, engaging activities demonstrating the expo’s theme, “Brain Power.”
“The intention (of Wellness Day) is to promote a school-wide understanding of how our brains work,” says Centre for Learning Coordinator Rita Trautmann.
“Students increase their awareness of mental health while learning more about cognitive functions. Together, we share in these discussions.”
From learning a new language, including American Sign Language (ASL), Mandarin, and more, to developing skills such as origami, which is the art of paper folding, students tested their mettle.
Being mindful of their physical well-being, they enjoyed a healthy snack as well as some guided relaxation exercises, too.
Guided relaxation exercises were one of many Wellness Day activities scheduled at Balmoral Hall. Photo by Jennifer Pawluk
“These activities symbolize cognitive functions, because when we learn something new, billions of neurons work together to create and strengthen neural pathways,” Trautmann notes.
“Learning, even when it is a struggle, cultivates grit and resilience. Sponsored by Balmoral Hall Parent Association (BHHPA), Wellness Day is about supporting each other as healthy lifelong learners.”
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive; faculty and staff are hopeful students will apply these strategies as they continue to play, learn, and grow.
