Mental Health Week at GSIS: A Week of Kindness, Connection, and Self-Discovery

At Good Shepherd International School (GSIS), we believe that true growth begins with emotional well-being. That’s why our counseling team is at the heart of what we do, ensuring that students not only excel academically but also thrive emotionally. To celebrate this commitment, we dedicated an entire week to mental health—a week filled with fun, thoughtful, and engaging activities designed to foster kindness, self-awareness, and connection. Here’s a glimpse into how our students took part in this empowering journey.

7 October – Monday

We kicked off Mental Health Week with an exciting email that set the tone for the days ahead. The focus? Encouraging everyone to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people around them.

Appreciation Boards appeared in classrooms, where students left heartfelt messages on colorful post-its for their friends and teachers. Walking by these boards, you couldn’t help but smile—it was a beautiful reminder that simple acts of kindness can have a huge impact.

And it wasn’t just for students. Our teachers also got involved in a fun, secretive initiative called Well-being Buddies. Each teacher was assigned an anonymous buddy to surprise with small acts of kindness throughout the week, culminating in a joyful tea party at the end. The excitement of figuring out their buddy’s identity created a lovely buzz throughout the campus!

8 October – Tuesday

Tuesday brought a dash of friendly competition with our Mental Well-Being Bingo. Students received cards filled with fun kindness challenges, like complimenting a friend or helping someone out. It was wonderful to see the halls alive with acts of compassion and care.

We also introduced a personal activity called the Joy Jar, where students and teachers were encouraged to collect happy moments throughout the day. It was a simple but powerful reminder to find joy in the little things.

We kept the mood light by sharing fun facts about mental well-being, making sure everyone learned something new while having fun.

9 October – Wednesday

Midweek, the focus shifted to an important conversation: Peer Pressure. Through tips and discussions, we helped students explore how to handle the pressures they face, offering them practical strategies to stand strong in their values.

To lighten things up, we held a playful Hidden Joys Scavenger Hunt, where students discovered overlooked treasures around the campus. Whether it was the sun shining on their favorite bench or a kind word from a friend, the small joys were endless.

The day ended with a burst of energy—a Meditation Flash Mob that transitioned into a dance party at the football field. Students from Grades 9 and 10 joined in, and the sight of everyone dancing together under the sky was a perfect blend of mindfulness and fun!

10 October – Thursday

We took things a bit slower on Thursday, sharing relaxation tips and mental health strategies via email to keep students mindful and calm. Meanwhile, our DP 1 students took the lead with the Mental Health Street project, an interactive and creative way to bring awareness to mental health issues and offer solutions in a hands-on format.

11 October – Friday

As the week came to a close, we launched an exciting new initiative: 21 Days of Happiness. This program encourages students to continue the kindness and mindfulness practices they explored during the week, transforming mental health awareness into daily habits. We also shared tips on How to Be There for Someone, emphasizing the importance of supporting friends through tough times.

12 October – Saturday

The week ended on a high note with our much-anticipated Well-being Buddy Reveal Tea Party. The joy and laughter in the air were contagious as students and teachers gathered around stations designed to bring out their creative sides. From singing at the Karaoke Station to painting together at the Collaborative Art table, every activity was focused on self-expression and connection.

The event wrapped up with goodie bags, snacks, and a heartfelt goodbye, leaving everyone with a sense of fulfillment and joy.

At GSIS, we understand that emotional well-being is just as important as academic success. Our counseling team works tirelessly to ensure that each student is supported, empowered, and heard. Mental Health Week is just one of the many ways we show our commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Whether it’s through innovative activities or personalized support, we make sure that every student has the tools they need to thrive emotionally and mentally—because at GSIS, we believe that mental health is the foundation for lifelong success.