Throughout May, Vienna International School (VIS) has been actively recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, with a focus on utilising ACES—four simple strategies designed to help balance mental health.
Week 1: Achieve
The first week of May emphasised the benefits of celebrating both big and small achievements, ensuring that we accomplish something every day. Students and staff celebrated their achievements by creating medals and hanging them on a medal tree, sharing their successes with the entire school community.
Week 2: Connect
In the second week, the focus shifted to the importance of making genuine connections. Everyone was encouraged to make at least one meaningful connection daily, whether with a fellow student, teacher, or a new acquaintance in the city. This initiative aimed to foster a sense of community and belonging.
Week 3: Exercise
Week three highlighted the positive impact of exercise on mental health. Students from Grades 6-8 were offered various physical activities during lunchtimes, while teachers were encouraged to incorporate more movement into their daily routines. The activities aimed to demonstrate how regular exercise can enhance mental well-being.
Week 4: Sleep
The final week of Mental Health Awareness Month focused on the crucial role of sleep in mental health, general well-being, and readiness to learn. Students and staff explored the amount of sleep needed for optimal health and how to develop better sleep hygiene. A podcast was shared to provide valuable information on how to help their teens get the sleep they need.
VIS is committed to promoting mental health awareness and supporting the well-being of our community. By integrating the ACES strategies, we aim to equip our students and staff with practical tools for maintaining mental health balance.