Happiness and Gratitude
Happiness is a term that captures a huge variety of positive emotions such as humour, serenity, optimism, joy, pride, inspiration, love and hope. Happiness means different things, to different people and is essential to your understanding of emotional literacy.
Throughout history, philosophers, religious writers and poets have pondered on the meaning of happiness and how it might be achieved. In the last few decades, scientists and psychologists have researched this further by studying a field of science called positive psychology.
The result of this research suggests there is a strong correlation between gratitude and greater happiness. Practising gratitude helps you shift your focus to positive memories or experiences, noticing the good in your life. Over time, this will re-wire your brain to create new neural pathways, increase your state of happiness and overall wellbeing.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents and care-givers will learn how to achieve happiness and the benefits of practising gratitude.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV. If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact your child’s Head of House, Year 9 Director / Head of Community or Wellbeing Support Service for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Happiness & Gratitude edition of SchoolTV
https://notredame.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter/happiness-gratitude
"Happiness is not the result of bouncing from one joy to the next; achieving happiness typically involves times of considerable discomfort. It's more than simply a positive mood, it's a state of wellbeing that encompasses living a good life".
DR MICHAEL CARR-GREGG
The Impact of Sleep on Health and Academic Performance
As parents of secondary school students, we often focus on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and social development. However, one critical factor that is often overlooked is the importance of sleep.
Research has consistently shown that sleep plays a fundamental role in both a student’s physical health and academic performance, making it essential for parents to understand and support healthy sleep habits.
Adolescents need around 8-10 hours of sleep per night, yet studies reveal that many high school students consistently get less. The demands of schoolwork, extracurriculars, and social activities often lead to late nights, which can affect their ability to concentrate, learn, and perform well academically. Sleep is not merely a passive activity; it is an active process that helps the brain consolidate information learned throughout the day. Without adequate rest, memory retention, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities are compromised.
In addition to academic struggles, insufficient sleep can have serious consequences on a student’s mental and physical health. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can interfere with a teenager’s ability to focus and engage with schoolwork. Moreover, lack of sleep weakens the immune system, making students more vulnerable to illness.
As parents, encouraging healthy sleep habits can have a profound impact on your child's well-being and academic success. Set a consistent bedtime, limit screen time before sleep, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help your child unwind. Foster an environment that prioritizes sleep and emphasise its importance as part of a balanced lifestyle. By doing so, you are supporting not only your child’s health but also their ability to perform at their best in school.