Over the course of the semester, students in Year 11 have been participating in mindfulness activities once a week during form time. Form teacher’s lead the practice using the Smiling Mind app that directs students through breathing and body scanning activities.  Mindfulness is the art of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity and without judgement. Studies conducted by researchers at Smiling Mind have found both teachers and students benefit from mindfulness.

Teachers reported:

- Improvements in sleep quality
- Improved concentration
- Enhanced wellbeing

Students reported:

- Improvements in emotional wellbeing
- Reduced psychological stress
- Enhanced positive wellbeing
- Improvements in concentration

The Year 11’s have been really receptive of the program and it’s great to see the positive impact the mindfulness activities have had on these students. For anyone interested in mindfulness the Smiling Mind app is a free or alternatively you can sign-up for free on their website www.smilingmind.com.au

Brent Jarvis-Spinks
Health & Physical Education Teacher
and Year 11 Coordinator