Principal’s Message

In memory of Jamie Bruno

Monday of this week was United Nations Children’s Day, celebrated every year throughout the globe to remember the commitment we have as adults in nurturing young people. It coincides with the intention that Ann Pearce and Tony Bruno have made to remember their son Jamie, a student of West Island School. At the time, we talked openly to students about ways of seeking help in times of distress, particularly if those feelings are becoming overwhelming. We also talked with parents to share that it is insulating to talk openly with your children, helping them to think forward about challenges and how we meet them.

This is the wish of Ann and Tony also, so that we can create positive action for them. They are really pleased to launch a justgiving page. The funds raised will help promote mental health and well-being for young people in Hong Kong. Working with Kely group, they are funding a programme for young people to encourage help-seeking behaviour and train them in supporting others through social media. We will be offering this at West Island School.

The student body have acted with compassion and positive action with their plans too. Something which has helped them to accept and understand the loss of their friend has been developing ways of focusing awareness on the present moment, calmly acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. They are currently producing a resource with helpful and supportive information for the community. They wish to share this with you after the Christmas break as another way of remembering and finding positive action.

I invite you to take a moment and check in with your children about how they may be feeling as we begin to move towards the end of a busy term. I also invite you to support Ann and Tony with a donation, however small, and a word of kindness. The link is here, and thank you.

If you are working with businesses who give funds to community projects such as this, please let me know so that I can connect you.

With gratitude,
Chris Sammons
Principal

COMING UP:
November 30: PTA Comedy Night
December 5: Christmas Market & Concert
December 13: Circle in the Water Presents “More Light”