We defined resilience to our students not as “being tough” or “never struggling,” but as the ability to rebound. We used the metaphor of a sponge: it can be squeezed by the pressures of exams, social life, or personal challenges, but it has the capacity to return to its original shape.

Resilience is a muscle that is strengthened every time a student faces a challenge and chooses to keep going.

Resilience and the 3R’s

We linked our core school values—Respect, Relationships, and Responsibility—directly to mental health:

• Respect: Developing a positive “inner voice.” Resilience starts with self-respect and acknowledging that it is okay to ask for help.

• Relationships: We emphasized that “No man is an island.” Strong connections with peers and staff provide the safety net required to take risks in learning.

• Responsibility: Encouraging students to take ownership of their attendance and their reactions to setbacks.

The Link to Attendance

A key focus of the presentation was the direct link between Attendance and Resilience. Consistently showing up—even on days when motivation is low—builds a habit of persistence. Being present in school ensures students remain part of the “This is My Place” community, preventing the isolation that often erodes mental health.

How You Can Support at Home

Resilience is built in the small moments. You can support your child by:

1. Validating, then Solving: Listen to their worries first (“I see this is hard”) before moving into “How can we bounce back?”

2. Highlighting the Wins: Point out times they’ve shown resilience in the past to remind them of their own strength.

3. Prioritizing Routine: A steady routine at home provides the stability kids need to handle the “storms” of the school day.

We believe that by working together, we can ensure every student feels that this school is their place, giving them the confidence to thrive.