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Wellbeing Theme 2025/26: Own It

Stratford TY students kayaking in Delphi Adventure Centre, 2023 Photo: Ms Finnegan
NEWS / 9 September 2025

Last year, our school embraced the theme “Disconnect to Reconnect”, encouraging everyone to step back from screens and build stronger, healthier connections with themselves and others. 

This year, after surveying staff, students, and parents and holding a student focus group. We discovered the main challenges impacting student wellbeing: academic pressure, lack of organisation, and the ups and downs of friendships and social life. In response, we are proud to launch our new wellbeing theme: “Own It.”

“Own It” is about recognising the areas in our lives we can take responsibility for, and learning practical ways to build confidence and resilience. When we own it:

  • Academic Pressure becomes more manageable. Instead of letting stress pile up, students can take small steps—like planning study schedules, asking for help when needed, and celebrating effort as much as achievement.
  • Organisation shifts from being overwhelming to empowering. Owning our time, routines, and responsibilities helps us feel more in control, making each day smoother and less stressful. Having your books, lunch, uniform ready for the following day
  • Friendships and Social Life benefit when we own our choices and actions. Whether it’s being a good friend, setting healthy boundaries, or repairing conflicts, “owning it” means being honest, respectful, and proactive in relationships.
  • Life in General improves as well. From setting goals to bouncing back from mistakes, taking ownership gives us the tools to grow, learn, and feel proud of how we handle challenges.

This theme is about recognising what’s within our control and taking positive steps forward. By choosing to “own it,” we build the resilience, responsibility, and confidence which will empower students in school and in life beyond the classroom.

Ms Finnegan

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