Mental Health and Positive School Climate

Mental Health in Simple Terms  – Mental health refers to the wellness of the mind which comprises   our thoughts, emotions or feelings and behaviour. Thoughts  can either be positive (  self-enhancing )  or negative ( self deflating) and result in emotions which can either  be positive or negative with    behavioural outcomes that  are  either  adaptive  (self  enhancing and supportive to others) or maladaptive ( harmful to self and,   or others).  

Mental health is that  aspect of wellness that is characterised by an  individual’s ability to think, feel and behave in a manner that supports a sense of wellbeing,  positive self-esteem, healthy relationships, productivity ( learning and work) and  personal growth. 

Hence, a school environment that supports mental health is one that stimulates   healthy thoughts about “self”, others and the world in general,     elicits positive   emotions and motivates adaptive  behaviours among learners, school personnel and parents as well as visitors.  Only a positive school climate can make this possible.

 What is a Positive School Climate?

A school climate refers to the psychological atmosphere in a school.  It is about the psychological impact of  both the physical and social components  of the school  on the learners,    school personnel, parents and visitors of the school. 

 A school climate can be   positive   and mental health enhancing or toxic and mental health   inhibiting.  The climate in a school can influence not only the way learners  perceive themselves, their abilities and others,   but also how they perceive the world- whether they will see the world as a friendly place where everyone is accepted and treated fairly and consequently can  thrive,    or  as a hostile  place   where there is no   respect for human dignity,  equity , fairness and justice.

A positive  school climate  is an intentional  school  psychological atmosphere (resulting from both the physical and social components of the school environment)   that  ensures that everyone, irrespective of their strengths and weakness,  experiences  safety,  acceptance, belongingness, affection  and a sense  of  relevance.  This  is possible because there are ground rules that are binding on all members of the school community which protect the rights and interests of    every  one.  In a positive school environment, expectations, roles and responsibilities, prohibitions as well as penalties for defaulting are  clearly stated.      Hence, our Mental Health,  Positive school Climate and Child Protection Policy  comprises  measures  to protect our learners,  school personnel and our parents who are also  active members  of our school community.   The policy is therefore in three parts and  requires  that all members of the  school community comply with it in order to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing.