Mental Health Awareness Poetry Reading by Mr. Mayheart-Kitching

October was 'Mental Health Month' so our community put an extra spotlight on this very important topic to raise awareness and reduce stigma around our mental well-being. The Mental Health Initiative (MHI), a High School initiative to promote the importance of mental health, has invited students to submit creative writing related to mental health. Our Middle School Language Arts teacher, Mr. Mayheart-Kitching, adapted the poem Self-Compassion by James Crews and recited his version to all Middle School and High School students at the assemblies.

Earlier this year, our Middle School students were invited to voluntarily and anonymously share a secret, related to mental health. By sharing our personal struggles, we can help each other and realise that we are not alone in our struggles. Reminding ourselves that we all experience personal problems related to mental health helps to build empathy and compassion for each other.