Our very first Global Be Well Day at Four Forest Schools was filled with energy, excitement, and a strong sense of togetherness. From nature walks to yoga sessions, music, art, and sport, the theme encouraged everyone to connect in different ways — and it was wonderful to see students and staff fully engaged, with plenty of smiles and endorphins flowing!

A highlight of the day was the involvement of our parent volunteers, who generously shared their time and talents by leading creative sessions alongside our dedicated teachers. This whole-school effort reflected one of our greatest strengths: our strong and supportive community.

As Hannah Louise, one of our Four Forest teachers, explained, Global Be Well Day is more than just a celebration. It is a valuable opportunity to pause our regular routines and focus on well-being in a holistic way. By dedicating time to these practices, we show our students that well-being is not only important but something that can be nurtured every day.

Her colleague, Olivia Nicholson, also a teacher at Four Forest, described how the children circled round to each teacher in the school and learnt a variety of techniques to help them understand and manage their own wellbeing. She added that the day was not only about practicing momentary activities, but also about understanding the science behind how brain and body health impact wellbeing.

The event reflected our values of community, curiosity, and integrity. Students came together across year groups, discovered unfamiliar practices such as meditation, and showed integrity by embracing challenges with openness and respect. Olivia also noted how wellbeing extends beyond the individual: “We are one community. Wellbeing impacts not just ourselves, but everyone around us. We are a school family that is learning how to look after each other.”

Feedback from students and staff was overwhelmingly positive. One student summed it up best: “Best day ever, I love Global Be Well Day!” Teachers also appreciated the opportunity to recharge and connect, with moments like mindful eating providing a sense of calm and reflection.

As Hannah Louise observed, the impact of the day will last well beyond a single occasion. Students developed greater awareness of their emotions and communication skills, which will continue to be nurtured through our Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) sessions. For Grades 2–6, creating scrapbook covers for their well-being journals added a personal touch. These journals will serve as both a memory of the day and a tool for ongoing reflection and growth.

In closing, Olivia Nicholson reflected on the broader cultural shift the day fosters: “We are nurturing a culture of care — for ourselves and for each other. Knowing the importance of self-care and how we can positively influence our school’s wellbeing will stay with the children well beyond this day.”