Mental health and wellbeing is at the core of our holistic approach to education. As such, we host a series of workshops and seminars, delivered by specialists, for students and parents aiming to equip them with the skills they need to be effective and resilient as part of their learning journeys and beyond.
To be successful in these modern times, students require soft skills to be proficient in leadership, communication to work effectively as part of a team as well as understanding the art of time management and goal setting. At Jaffaria Academy, our students have the opportunity to learn these skills and much more.
Some of workshops we hosted this year include:
The program’s aim is to better understand our personal emotional intelligence level and how to increase it by identifying our own and others’
Story time with Sister Fatima is aimed at engaging the children with fun stories. Children have an innate love of stories. Stories create a sense of wonder at the world. Stories teach us about life, about ourselves and about others. These story sessions will promote a feeling of well-being and relaxation and increase children’s willingness to communicate thoughts and feelings. Our aim is to discuss various stories in light of Islamic values and promote discussions about morals and ethics as taught by our Ahlulbayt (as)
Part 1 of this 3-part interactive program was aimed at both parents and secondary students, focussing on examining strategies to help improve positive communication and minimise conflict. This was an opportunity to explore important topics of discussion between Parent and Child and work together to identify effective solutions.
Part 2 entitled “Listening and Responding to Children” examined the importance of communication and trust in developing a close bond with your child. It explored ways to communicate effectively, diffuse emotionally charged situations and read behavioural cues.
In part 3, entitled “Communication Problems and Strategies” we focused on developing skills to appropriately and effectively express feelings in an open manner; to better aide communication and build a strong relationship with parents.
A program aimed to help primary students understand their feelings and emotions in a safe space by learning from each other.
Recently, 1 in 4 young people have experienced their mental health worsening. Understanding feelings and emotions can be difficult for adults, let alone for young people experiencing various pressures in their lives. This programme offered age-appropriate support in understanding different feelings and how they can impact us by providing a safe space for young people to learn from each other. With better mental health and given that our students learn from home, students may be more able to connect with Allah SWT and their families.
A series of student-based workshops that covered the following themes:
A two-part public seminar aimed at parents.
Part 1: The science of parenting
We explored the following topics:
Part 2: Pandemic parenting
Home-schooling, lock-down, working from home and social isolation have become the norm since 2020, and this makes parenting even more unpredictable and challenging. Collectively we thought about how to parent during a pandemic, including life hacks, what good enough parenting looks like, a real emphasis on looking after yourselves too and where to get help if things become too difficult.
To view the full event recording including synopsis and bio of the guest speaker click on the YouTube links below and read the description section.
Part 1: The science of parenting
Part 2: Pandemic parenting
Episode title: Understanding Stress in Children and Building Resilience
In this episode we defined what “stress” is in children and discussed its impact on their holistic development, on parents and the wider family. We explored research-based studies on the topic, listening to and acknowledging stress signals as parents; and how we can help our children build resilience and thrive.
To view the full event recording including synopsis and bio of the guest speaker click on the YouTube link below and read the description section.
Episode title: Safeguarding Children’s Wellbeing to Prevent Harm
In this episode we explored how best to nurture the parent/child relationship with a focus on a supportive and secure growth environment. Impacting factors such as experiences, personal growth, memories, and external societal forces all play a role in safeguarding our children. Awareness of these factors plus more will better enable family units to enhance the wellbeing of their children.
To view the full event recording including synopsis and bio of the guest speaker click on the YouTube link below and read the description section.
Episode title: Building a Community Through Sports
In this episode we talked about all things Sports!
We explored the benefits and the importance of physical activities across a variety of different levels. The Impact on a child’s individual physical and mental health as well as social development, through to the wider community in enhancing unity and fostering brotherhood. The overall advantages of sports was discussed, as well as tips on having it as part of our lives, both young and old.
To view the full event recording including synopsis and bio of the guest speaker click on the YouTube link below and read the description section.
Episode title: Empowering Children: tools and techniques to enrich their learning journeys
This episode was broadcasted at the season of starting school, and with it came a multitude of adjustments for children and families. We spoke to Sr Shaheen Merali and explored ways to allay worries, concerns and anxiety arising from this. This podcast focused primarily on separation anxiety, with tools and methods to effectively manage and empower our children to enable them to enjoy their learning journeys!
To view the full event recording including synopsis and bio of the guest speaker click on the YouTube link below and read the description section.
Episode title: Giving a voice to the unheard
An evening conversation with Speech and Language Specialist, Sr. Azra Hassanali, as she enhanced our understanding of children with a variety of learning needs. Sr. Azra enlightened us with ideas, tools and strategies to welcome and support children and their families in our schools, madressas and community events. We explored ways to understand, empower and embrace differences in abilities found in our children today to nurture their full potential.
To view the full event recording including synopsis and bio of the guest speaker click on the YouTube link below and read the description section.
At Jaffaria Academy we believe that individuals thrive the most when they are part of healthy communities. As such, and in line with our Islamic tradition which encourages building a healthy community we conducted public seminars on the COVID-19 vaccine programme in an effort to educate the community and help it make the right decision about this important matter.
To view the full event recording including synopsis and bio of the guest speaker click on the YouTube link below and read the description section.
