The Health & Wellness Department at Shalom Hills International School is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for our students' physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We understand the significance of holistic development and prioritise various facets of health to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.
At Shalom Hills International School, the wellbeing of the learners is of great importance. We provide direct nursing services to the students and staff members to maximise health and wellness in the school community. The school has proper and adequate in-house arrangements for providing medical aid and conducting periodic health check-ups of the students. The school has engaged the services of qualified and competent nurses and also has on its rolls a General Physician; it has a tie-up with Paras Hospital. The growth and health record of each child is maintained and notified to the parents on a regular basis.
The school infirmary is equipped with the necessary materials and medical facilities to address the health needs of the students while in school. Two trained and qualified nurses are always on duty and available on-site to manage and assess any health issues that may arise during school hours.
Our nurse's services include -
Attending to students who are injured or who become ill while at school, administer first-aid and other emergency nursing measures, and arrange for medical attention where the circumstances indicate.
Initiate various screening activities to ascertain learner's health appraisal.
Confer with teachers, learners and parents regarding management of identified health problems.
Coordinate with hospitals, first-aid services and other medical facilities. The school is in collaboration with Paras Hospital to provide medical assistance whenever required.
However, the school is not responsible for the medical diagnosis and treatment of the child for any chronic or serious ailment.
The students are also motivated towards Balanced and Healthy Food Habits. The school believes in imparting healthy food habits to the students, for a healthy mind can reside only in a healthy body.
Health and Wellness classes are a necessary part of the curriculum and time table. Yoga classes are held regularly for both the students and the staff.
Our counselling department offers confidential individual counselling, focusing on therapeutic support for students. Referrals can come from parents, teachers, voluntary requests, or self-identification.
Our dedicated counsellors prioritise enhancing children's mental well-being while also addressing their academic, social, and overall welfare, all within the framework of our four foundational pillars.
Methodology & practices: My Safety Workbook - Project CACA (I-VIII)
In the classroom and/or group settings, the curriculum delivers developmental and sequential courses and activities that address student growth in personal/social domains.
The subjects for the sessions are determined and planned depending on the results of the need assessment. Bullying, self-esteem, coping with emotions, coping with stress, effective communication, cyber security safety, personal safety, emotional safety and substance abuse and interpersonal relationships are among the topics covered.
Children with PWD - Persons with Disabilities, are helped through informal assessment by experienced counsellors and diagnostic evaluation through referrals and providing help through special education classes and exemptions/relaxations as per CBSE guidelines.
At Shalom Hills International School, the Health & Wellness Department strives to create a supportive environment that fosters the growth and development of students in various spheres of life. Our holistic approach aims to equip students with essential life skills, promote mental well-being, and guide them in making informed decisions about their academic and career paths.
Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.
Shalom Hills International School is dedicated to fostering a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for every student’s mental well-being. Under the esteemed guidance of the school’s visionary Founder and Chairperson, Dr Mrs Lilly George, and the discernment of our Sherpa & Vice Chairman - Mr. Dennis George, the school conducted an enriching workshop in alignment with WHO’s 2024 theme, ‘It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’. Students from grades VI to XII engaged in a variety of mental health- focused activities including a radio show, role-plays, and art-based projects.
To mark World Mental Health Day, the Senior Wing's Health & Wellness department organized a two-day event on October 9th and 10th, 2024. The theme of ‘Mental Health at Work’ was chosen to enhance understanding, raise awareness, and inspire initiatives that support mental health within both school and workplace environments.
As part of the morning assembly, Grade XII students hosted a radio show centered around the WHO theme. Grade XI students took on the role of mental health advocates, performing a Nukkad Natak on ‘Stigma in the Workplace/Classrooms’, accompanied by uplifting music.
Following this, students from grades IX and X presented a role-play using props titled ‘Turn Down the Volume,’ to convey the importance of thoughtful language in the classroom and beyond. The performance emphasized why it’s essential to avoid labelling and seek support when experiencing mental health challenges.
It is widely recognized that when students lead as moderators for social change, they inspire and learn from one another. This initiative was warmly welcomed by both students and teachers, marking a memorable contribution to mental health awareness.
“There is a form of communication that transcends the power of words.”
- Joseph B. Wirthlin
The Health and Wellness Department of Shalom Hills International School organized a transformative workshop titled Communicate to Connect, attended by the entire faculty. Inspired by the insightful guidance and forward-thinking vision of the school's Founder and Chairperson - Dr Mrs Lilly George, and our Sherpa & Vice Chairman - Mr Dennis George, the workshop aimed to equip teachers with vital communication skills to forge deeper, more meaningful connections with their students.
The session focused on the profound influence of words, communication styles, body language, and tone in teacher-student interactions. The teachers left the workshop better prepared through their refined skills, to support students in overcoming academic challenges and maintaining active engagement during classroom activities.
The workshop highlighted a range of strategies designed to create positive, impactful connections with students, emphasizing the importance of using encouraging language, methods for capturing and sustaining attention, and techniques to foster genuine motivation.
Practical case studies addressing common classroom behavioural challenges were also analysed, providing teachers with actionable insights into effective classroom management. The session concluded with interactive activities and group discussions, encouraging participants to reflect on their learning and exchange key takeaways.
The initiative was appreciated by the faculty, who found the workshop both enriching and inspiring.
On the propitious date of April 6th,
2024, Shalom Hills International School orchestrated an enlightening Health Talk on Eye Care, held within the
esteemed confines of the school auditorium from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This enriching discourse was attended by a
total of 66 educators hailing from both the Primary and Middle wings of the institution. Drtn. Abhishek Aneja, Club
Director of New Generation (Rotary Club Dist. 3011), graced the occasion as the esteemed guest, welcomed with green
embellishments in the form of planters.
Guided by the expertise of renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Neeraj Sanduja,
Director of Viaan Eye and Retina Centre, the session delved into prevalent eye ailments among children and the
ramifications of pervasive digital technology on ocular health.
Dr. Sanduja meticulously expounded upon common
ocular conditions afflicting children, ranging from myopia and hyperopia to astigmatism and amblyopia (commonly
known as lazy eye). Moreover the educators were furnished with pragmatic insights on discerning telltale signs of
ocular distress in students, such as frequent squinting, eye rubbing, complaints of headaches or blurred vision, and
declining academic performance.
The latter segment of the presentation was dedicated to elucidating the
pernicious effects of prolonged screen exposure on children's ocular well- being, encompassing digital eye strain,
dry eyes, and heightened susceptibility to myopia progression.
By arming educators with this invaluable
knowledge, it is envisaged that early detection and preventive measures will be seamlessly integrated into the
educational milieu, ultimately fostering enhanced ocular health outcomes for students.
An online Adolescent Peer Educator
Programme was conducted by CBSE from March 12th to March 16th, 2024. The school counsellors and four students of
grade XII attended the programme which comprised sessions structured around eight modules, delivered through
engaging PowerPoint presentations, interactive activities and videos. It offered students insight into various life
skills relevant to their everyday experiences.
The programme featured varied themes to prevent the students from
becoming disinterested. Theme 1: Introduction -the journey from core life skills to 21st- century skills Theme 2:
focused on building resilience for coping and capacity building, emphasizing stress management, positive
affirmation, self-care, real-life connections, and recovery methods from trauma and adversity. Theme 3: Growing Up
Healthy, accentuated the importance of nutrition and hygiene for the overall well-being. Theme 4: family bonding and
caring communication and highlighted the role of families, responsibilities, and the importance of family bonding in
adolescence.
Theme 5: discussed the importance of healthy emotional expression, dealing with anger, loss, and
sadness. Theme 6: explored the importance of healthy interpersonal relationships with peers, including concepts like
stonewalling and defensiveness, and their impact on our lives. Theme 7: explored the digital world, disconnect from
reality, the dark side, cyber security, online gaming fraud, and creating better passwords for a safer digital
experience. Theme 8: was on making effective career choices, and integrating the life skills approach. It discusses
the difference between job and career, ambition and reality, and conflicts between career expectations and
passion.
Overall, the programme not only empowered the participants with essential life skills but also instilled
in them a sense of confidence, resilience, and readiness to face the complexities of the 21st century. It serves as
a testament to the commitment of CBSE towards the holistic development of students, fostering a generation equipped
to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.
-Alexander Graham
Bell
The Health & Wellness department of senior wing organized a workshop on Examination stress and Coping strategies for senior grade students from 12th Feb to 21th February. The aim of the workshop was to reduce stress faced by students during exam time. The points covered during the workshop were: What does exam stress feel like? Why studying for exams can be a challenging task and stressful experience and coping strategies to reduce stress. During the interactive session, the students shared their opinions on why they get nervous and panic. To reduce the pressure, they were guided to organize the material and space of studying, not to procrastinate, maintain proper revision schedules, use self-test methods and rate their own performance, and not to study for long hours. To make the study easier, they were advised to make use of mnemonics, flow charts, highlighting of important points, mind maps, chunking & skimming. To counter excessive anxiety they may create an examination environment at home by wearing school uniform and appearing for a 3hrs examination. At the end of the session the students were encouraged to work hard, stay focused and do well in the Annual Examination.
A Health talk on Cervical Cancer Awareness was attended by the team of Health & Wellness department of Shalom Hills International School at Paras Hospital, Gurugram. On the occasion of Cervical Cancer Awareness month, the opening speech was given by Dr. Col R Ranga Rao- Chairman, Paras Cancer Centre. Many renowned doctors from the field of Oncology and the faculties of medical & health department participated in the talk. Dr Indu Bansal- Group Director & HOD, Radiation Oncology and Dr Seema Sharma- Associate Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology facilitated the talk on the causes of cancer, its important facts, symptoms and its prevention techniques. Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths among the women in the world and second in India. Another discussion was on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that is the necessary cause of cervical cancer - 99.7%. 9 in 10 cases in Cervical Cancer can be prevented with regular pap tests, following up on any abnormal results, by getting vaccinated, avoiding smoking, good genital hygiene and safe sex. Apart from Cervical Cancers, Ovarian cancer, Vulval cancer and Endometrial cancer were also part of the discussion. It has also been advised to change the lifestyle to lower the risk of cancer. Super foods such as “G-BOMS” - Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries and Seeds - Vitamins and Citrus Fruits were recommended. Take Home Message - According to the ‘2020 WHO Global Strategy’, HPV Vaccines should be included in all National Immunisation Programs and should reach 90% of all Girls by the age of 15 by year 2030. HPV Vaccination is a primarily prevention and does not eliminate the need for screening later in life. Special mention of participation of team from Shalom Hills School was also mentioned and appreciated.
Shalom Hills International School has
always believed in inculcating a positive and healthy mindset in its students at the right age. Hammering home the
mindset, a very enlightening workshop on Puberty , health and hygiene was organized for the young girls of grades V,
VI & VII. The workshop was conducted by Ms Sania Azim- a student wellbeing trainer from Right Ride Story in
collaboration with Whisper India Campaign.
The session made them aware about certain physical changes that happen
internally and externally and how to cope and adapt with the changes. Puberty can be confusing and an awkward time
for girls. Most children begin to experience large growth spurts around the age of eleven. Girls were guided about
the onset of menstruation, a sign of normal, healthy reproductive process that often occurs close to the age of
thirteen. Girls were advised not to panic or get worried and seek correct information from the guardians, parents,
teachers or counsellors and to not depend on media that may lead to misleading and wrong information.
At the end,
girls were guided on how to maintain personal hygiene and to monitor the menstruation cycle by maintaining a diary
or marking through calendar. The inquisitive girls expressed their fears, doubts and anxieties in the Q/A round.
The Health & Wellness department of
Shalom Hills International School , senior wing celebrated the World Mental Health Day with great passion and
enthusiasm emphasizing the fact ‘Mental Health is a universal Human right’ through a plethora of class activities
and special assembly on October 10 ,2023. The aim was to spread mindfulness and sensitize the children about having
a good mental health also along with physical. An art based activity conducted in grade VI was on Life in My
Hand-self- esteem in which the students made the cut-outs of their hand and wrote positive affirmations showcasing
their strengths. They showed their creative and artistic skills. The role play on Break the Silence-Abuse and
Memories Matters- walk Away Alzheimer’s was performed by grades VII & VIII during the special assembly. They
delivered a beautiful role play highlighting verbal abuse and also the need to be sensitive to old people and the
snags allied with old age.
The initiative was much appreciated by everyone.
"Your mental health is just as important as your physical
health."
Instilling confidence in every student and making them realise that each and every individual
has the right to cultivate a mind that is secure, healthy, and joyful ,Shalom Hills International School in
accordance with CBSE guidelines organised several class activities like poster making , role plays and dance
performances on 9 th and 10 th October in the school premises.
A special assembly was conducted on the theme-
Mental Health is a Universal Human Right. Students of grades IX & X performed a role paly on The Edge of 18-
Adolescent Problems & Challenges. Grade XI performed an assembly on to break the tag line- What is and what is
not Anxiety while grade XII students showcased a dance performance on Darkness to Light- Managing Failure and
Rejection . Through the activities and presentations the enthusiastic perpetrators would have definitely made the
audiences cognizant of the importance of respecting each other's perspectives and emotions.
It is generally
believed that when students act as moderators to effect social change, they learn from and emulate their peers. The
initiative was much appreciated by the students and teachers alike.
During the academic years, students all around the world experience emotional stress. Increased academic competition, demands to get higher grades, interpersonal connection problems, and lack of career guidance are some of the stressors that students encounter nowadays. And life has a curious way of destroying our best-laid plans, adding to the stress that students suffer. When combined, counselling and therapy are incredibly efficient at assisting students in navigating difficult situations. Through expert counselling and counselling services, the counselling and wellbeing Cell hopes to equip students to address these issues effectively. With the goal of addressing and resolving emotional and psychological concerns of student population, the school has the "Counselling Cell" in the school campus which includes the school counsellors. It focuses on recognizing and nurturing the unique potentials that each learner possesses.
Key functions of counselling department includes:
1.
Workshops for Students
At our school, we deal with students on an individual and group basis.
Throughout the academic year, our staff provides students with support, advice, nurturing, and resources. The goal
of this individual session is to detect mental health disorders as early as possible. This helps to break down
stigma barriers and makes it more comfortable for the child to seek support from a counsellor in times of distress.
2.
Programs for Teacher Education
We offer teacher training programs that assist instructors understand
mental health, various mental health issues in children, and how to deal with emotional distress in children and
provide emotional first aid.
3.
Parent Engagement Programs
We offer a variety of parent education programs, such as stress decoding,
the value of self- care, and constructive parenting, as well as knowledge of various mental health disorders among
young children and adolescents. This provides parents with coping techniques for both themselves and their children.
4.
Preventive measures- (Life skill classes)
We hold Life skill classes for students as a preventive
strategy. In the classroom and/or group settings, the curriculum delivers developmental and sequential courses and
activities that address student growth in personal/social domains. The subjects for the sessions are determined and
planned depending on the results of the need assessment. Bullying, self- esteem, coping with emotions, coping with
stress, effective communication, jealousy, and relationships are among the topics covered.
We help the children with PWD-
Persons with Disabilities, informal assessment by the experienced counsellors and diagnostic evaluation through
referrals and providing the help through special education classes and exemptions/relaxations as per CBSE
guidelines.
To create a safe and healthy
environment and to equip the students with the right knowledge at right time, Health and Wellness department took an
initiative by taking the workshop with the students of grade X on Substance Abuse. The workshop was conducted by the
Senior Counsellor of the school.
As said addiction is a disease that starts in childhood and adolescence and
young bodies are more immune and prone to get impacted by the frequent consumption of substance. The counselor
helped them to differentiate between the drug/illicit drugs, substance dependence/tolerance and its withdrawal which
has negative social, physical and psychological consequences. It may range from mild tremors to convulsions, severe
agitation and sometimes death. The factors teenagers take to drugs are due to curiosity, wrong negative influence,
low self esteem, poorer academic achievement or drop outs, to pose like an adult, lack of family support, broken
familie's, poor socio economic status, keenness to earn money by selling it illegally. It's short term and long term
effects were discussed in detail. Children were taught about Assertive Communication skills and the focus was on
refusal techniques and how to resist the negative peer pressure by saying 'No'.
The students were encouraged to
talk, express feelings and seek help from trustworthy adults for problem resolutions. The workshop served as an
essential platform for learning, sharing, and inspiring action against drug abuse. It is a significant step toward
creating a society that is informed, proactive, and united in the fight against this critical issue.
'Create Healthy Habits, Not Restrictions.'
In the light of the above dictum, a
health awareness workshop took place on 18 th July to equip the students with invaluable knowledge and to empower
them to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Cornitos company organized an energy boosting and a healthy lifestyle
workshop for Shalomites of Grades IV and V on 18 th July. Ms. Yashika Bajaj, a renowned Communication Specialist
spread the message beautifully through her tips and simple routine practices for students on adapting to a healthy
way of living.
The workshop was a perfect blend of activities and beneficial wellness ideas followed by healthy
savoury to quench the student's munchy cravings. Students were shown an advertisement of Cornitos Crusties and made
to shake their bodies to the beats of Chimp Dance as depicted in the advertisement, which was thoroughly enjoyed by
them.
Through the execution of the workshop, students delved into the essential elements of a healthy lifestyle,
exploring the significance of physical fitness, nutrition, mental well- being and more. The series of fun activities
well demonstrated to the learners the importance of incorporating healthy habits into their daily routine.
A webinar, under the Project CACA, was organized for the Non–teaching faculty of SHIS. It was conducted by Ms Famia, an Advocacy Ambassador, who has done Masters in social work and has keen interest in women’s and child rights issues. She is working on implementing various government policies on Gender justice and right to education. The webinar started with the video on KOMAL which was adjudged the Best Educational Film in the 62 nd National Film Festival. The staff was sensitized about young children being more susceptible to physical and sexual abuse. Ms Famia talked about the POCSO-(Protection of Children from Sexual offences) Act-2012 guidelines and JJ Act in detail. She said that people should not be reluctant in reporting the crime against children & should come forward in helping the children against such abuses. She told them the difference between POCSO and Indian Penal Code. She also helped the attendees to understand the difference between heinous crime, serious crime and petty crimes under POCSO by giving various examples. She said that POCSO courts are the fast track courts in managing and helping the children against sexual abuse. The much acknowledged efforts were put forth by the school in educating the non-teaching faculty on how to prevent child abuse.
The project CACA- Children against Child Abuse in association with the Fortis- Mental Health Department of Behavioral Science organized the webinar for the teaching faculty of Shalom Hills International School on Bully to Buddy- its Prevention and Intervention. The webinar was conducted by the Clinical Psychologist- Ms Stuti Sood. Ms Stuti said, Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves real or perceived power of imbalance. To prevent bullying, at School level- safe, supportive environment is required by creating and implementing school wide policies on Anti-Bullying, to form an Anti-Bullying Squad to facilitate smooth operation, to identify bully spots within school premises where bullying is likely to happen, to monitor and supervise regularly with squad. It is important to educate students about bullying through awareness programs, organize and encourage expression through creative media, drama, performance, poster making, debates, storytelling etc. At classroom level- to create opportunities for students to connect, organize student engagement activities around bullying, facilitate group discussion during free periods, and teach empathy & acceptance of differences among students. The psychologist ended the session with the Q/A round was much appreciated by the teachers.
Initiated by the Health & Wellness department, the Anti-Bullying Squad of senior wing proactively participated in various activities to control bullying. The squad visited all the sections of VI, VII & VIII to sensitize the children about the harmful impact of Bullying.
Through role plays & enactment, the squad highlighted the important aspects of bullying like verbal aggression, physical conflicts and cyber bullying and how to develop self-control and empathy in one-self to manage bullying incidents. They also shared the psychological consequences like isolation, depression, school with-drawl, self-harm, disinterest in school activities, reduced concentration and performance. It is important to teach the Bully and the Bullied the difference between Assertive/Active & Passive Aggression, Self-control and Empathy.
The young members of the squad made efforts to make the school “Bully free school” and to teach their peers to transform from “A Bully to Buddy”.
The Health & Wellness department of senior wing organized a workshop on Examination stress and Coping strategies for senior grade students. The aim of the workshop was to reduce stress faced by students during exam time. The points covered during the workshop were: What does exam stress feel like? Why studying for exams can be a challenging task and stressful experience and coping strategies to reduce stress.
During the interactive session, the students shared their opinions on why they get nervous and panic. To reduce the pressure, they were guided to organize the material and space of studying, not to procrastinate, maintain proper revision schedules, use self-test methods and rate their own performance, and not to study for long hours. To make the study easier, they were advised to make use of mnemonics, flow charts, highlighting of important points, mind maps, chunking & skimming. To counter excessive anxiety they may create an examination environment at home by wearing school uniform and appearing for a 3hrs examination.
It is acknowledged that children give the exams happily when there are no over expectations from them and equal time is given to physical and routine activities and care is taken of diet and sleep as well.
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