Well at heart of caring

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16 August 2019

Students from St Jude the Apostle School.By Fifi Lim

Wellbeing is such a priority at St Jude the Apostle School, Scoresby, there is a classroom dedicated to it.

Aptly called ‘The Well’, it is open before school, during play times and after school.

‘It is a place where both adults and children can come to simply be well’, says deputy principal wellbeing/learning diversity leader, Becky Breen.

‘They can enjoy activities, socialise, catch up with a friend or even speak to one of The Well’s staff about how to improve mental health and wellbeing’, said Mrs Breen.

It’s an awesome place for fun and friendship, but why is it called ‘The Well’?

‘The Well is a symbol for community. In ancient times, a well was both symbolically and often literally located at the centre of the community.’

‘From the well, the community drew water, the basic sustenance for life. Metaphorically, a well represented all the social resources that were necessary to endure and thrive. If the well fell into disrepair, if the life-giving water was polluted or diminished in quantity, the community suffered’, Mrs Breen explained.

She said wellbeing was both practice and perception; action and awareness.

‘It is a state of being well in body, mind and spirit. At St Jude’s we focus on deeply understanding the concept of “human dignity” – this work brings us into kind and generous relationships with each other. Our school motto is Serve the Lord with Joy, also known as Be Your Best Self.’

This article was originally published in the Whitehorse Leader on 22 July 2019.