THRIVING in 2016/17 Positive Psychology, Supportive Structures and Student Engagement In June, Lakefield College School staff closed the first
In addition, we will continue to build staff expertise in
year of the THRIVE well-being project with C.A.M.P.
the pillars of the THRIVE program. Through a series
Lakefield (Curriculum and Meaningful Play)—three
of workshops and training sessions with staff from
days offering a smattering of wellness activities blended
the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH),
with our regular workday. Faculty and staff met at the
the school will work to ensure that we have a safe and
waterfront for early morning yoga, and had a lunch and
effective model of care for our students in terms of
a late afternoon devoted to activities such as learning
mental health management and early identification
to Stand-Up Paddleboard (or Knee-Up Paddleboard, as
of possible mental health issues. Training has already
one of the novice participants described it), meditation,
begun for the staff of the Health Centre and other key
yoga, slacklining, climbing and sailing.
staff members. By the end of 2017, the hope is to have
We closed out the year with an All-Staff game of Escape The Grove—an elaborate set of mathematical and other puzzles designed by faculty member Todd Harris—that led teams around the campus to uncover clues.
all residential staff as well as some faculty involved in training as well. The goals of that training will include awareness of mental health and addiction issues, empathic communication and reducing stigma and discrimination. Lisa Ducharme, Director of Health
The series of events marked an amazing opportunity
Services, and John Runza, Assistant Head: School Life,
for staff to enjoy our beautiful campus and stunning
will spearhead this vital program.
facilities in a way that there is rarely time for when the students are here—and to reflect on how these facilities and opportunities contribute to a sense of well-being.
Finally, three staff have been selected to earn certificates in Applied Positive Psychology over the 2016/17 school year, and then to develop a program to
Now, it is time to begin to educate our students! We will
educate and support all other staff in learning about and
hire Dr. Greg Wells again in 2016/17 to work directly with
implementing this key pillar of the THRIVE program.
our students, and the staff who work with our students,
Faculty members Kirsten Johnston, Libby Dalrymple
to share with them how they can improve their focus and
and Carrie Gilfillan will travel to Toronto for seven
performance through better sleep, nutrition, hydration
weekends from September to April, not only to learn
and exercise routines. Teachers are full of ideas about
about positive psychology, but specifically to learn
how they might make use of Wells’ expertise in their
how its principles can be applied in an educational
classrooms: not just in courses like Outdoor Education,
setting for both students and staff. To learn more
but in Computer Science (how do those Fitbits work
about this program, check out their website at: https://
anyway?), Biology and Psychology. Coaches are already
certificateinpositivepsychology.com/about-capp/
making plans for how a Wells program might support their team. And the students are excited! In anticipation of next year, they launched a Stretch/Breathe/Move set of activities before each exam, capitalizing on their
The momentum has started—we can’t wait to see how our students respond! HEATHER AVERY
awareness that these activities would help students to relax and focus.
Grove News Summer 2016 | 17