This year, at Grimwade House, staff and students took the time to pause and reflect on the importance of caring for themselves and each other during iCARE Week.
“A week like this is no different to Book Week or Science Week,” says Grimwade Deputy Head, Nathan Boller. “It focuses our minds on our personal wellbeing and the health of our community, shining a light on this aspect of our school lives.”
For Junior Primary students, the week’s activities included writing letters of thanks to Grimwade House neighbours, and to staff and children at nearby hospice, Very Special Kids.
“Year 3 made nice notes to put in books at the Glen Eira Library,” explains Mara, Year 3. “The Class Captains placed these notes into books so that when people borrowed them there would be a heart-warming message as a surprise.”
Two Year 4 classes hosted younger students from neighbouring Yavneh College, while the other two classes visited the School. “I think Yavneh was a great experience and loads of fun,” says Imogen. “We learnt a bit of Hebrew and shared our picture story book. It was so much fun going there and I can’t wait to see if we can go there again.”
Older students took part in specialised sessions for their age group, including workshops on body confidence and respectful relationships.
Staff were offered a morning tea hosted by Friends of Grammar, and a before-school meditation session, while parents and staff who owned Keep Cups took advantage of a free coffee cart. Students, staff and parents were also invited to take part in Grimwade Club’s morning running group hosted by former Olympian, Craig Mottram.
“Of course, iCARE Week isn’t the only time we think about these issues as a School.” says Grimwade’s Pastoral Care Coordinator, Emma Finster. “As time goes on, these kinds of activities will be increasingly embedded in our everyday curriculum. More and more, we’re recognising how important wellbeing is for success in life.”
The impact of iCARE Week has gone beyond the timetable. “We’ve heard stories of students going to elderly neighbours to help them cook dinner, and of parents and children starting discussions about the role of organisations like Very Special Kids,” says Mr Boller. “By engaging in activities like these, we’re saying that emotional intelligence is just as valued as academic success by the Grimwade House community.”
“Along with recognising the importance of care in our School, iCARE Week was also a celebration of the hard work of our staff, of Friends of Grammar, and our students,” Mr Boller adds.
