Wellness and Achievement: an Introduction.

Independent schools have often focused on character, community, civic engagement, and other endevours that inform not only a student’s academic journey, but their role in the world. Indeed, this work outside the core of academics is often why parents and students choose independent schools—and why schools today have an opportunity to truly demonstrate the extended value of an independent school education.

 

Families are busier, more stressed, and more anxious than ever. They are wrestling with numerous issues, a sense of purpose, and what it means to live a good life. In the past 20 years we have seen life and work cultures shift beyond our wildest expectations. It is no surprise then that independent schools are recognizing the need to shift the paradigm for preparing students for life after K–12 education. While academics remain the core, many have begun to recognize that students’ current and long-term mental, emotional, and physical wellness strongly contribute to their ultimate success in life. (Independent School Magazine - Summer 2019)

 

At Kempenfelt Bay School, our Mission is to provide an exemplary education that empowers students to embrace their personal potential as productive and responsible global citizens.

 

The first pillar of our strategic plan reads that, ‘By 2023, KBS will continue to deliver and clearly define its high academic standards by developing the whole student: academically, socially and emotionally.” In order to achieve that goal, wellness must underpin school programming including the academic program. When wellness underpins total school programming all measures of success and sustainability are elevated. KBS has the pre-existing infrastructure that, when reimagined and seen through an appropriate lens, allows attention to be paid to all aspects of wellness.

 

Our curriculum, policies, attention to culture, community resources, and co-curricular offerings are already primed supports. What they require is a reframing, repackaging, program inclusion and to be made a strategic focus.

 

Throughout the remainder of the school year and beyond, this blog will focus on the following:

 

 

We see Wellness and Achievement working in harmony. One is elevated with the other. The goal of this Blog series is to share with you the current and evolving framework and focus KBS embraces that better enables the harmonious journey of wellness and achievement.

 

Until next time, stay well.