On December 27, 2024, the Teacher Advisor Office hosted a mental relaxation event themed “New Year FUN Fair” on the lawn in front of Zhongxing Building. This festive and engaging activity attracted numerous students and teachers, filling the air with joy and excitement. Through a variety of interactive games, participants were able to relax and welcome the New Year together. The event aimed to provide a fun and stress-relieving opportunity for all while promoting the importance of mental health, concluding a fruitful semester with warmth and happiness.

Exciting Highlights of the Event

Handprint High-Five: High-five to the New Year!

The lawn in front of Zhongxing Building was beautifully decorated, radiating a festive New Year atmosphere. Students were immediately drawn to the Handprint High-Five area, where they enthusiastically left colorful handprints on a New Year banner. These handprints symbolized a “high-five” to the New Year, conveying their hopes and best wishes for the future. The vibrant handprints intertwined, creating a heartfelt tapestry of blessings.

Photo Spot: Capturing New Year’s Moments

A specially designed photo area with New Year decorations became one of the event’s most popular attractions. Red banners, colorful balloons, and neatly stacked gift boxes set the festive tone. Students and teachers alike paused to take pictures, capturing precious memories as they smiled brightly on the lawn of Zhongxing Building.

Free Hug: Healing and Warmth

In the Free Hugs area, a charming frog mascot became the “star” of the event. Students flocked to interact with the mascot. These simple yet meaningful embraces brought comfort to everyone, dispelling the winter chill and spreading the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

Beanbag Toss for Prizes: Joyful Rewards Through Play

The Beanbag Toss game sparked high enthusiasm among participants. At the toss station, students eagerly took their turn, determined to land the perfect throw. Successful players excitedly headed to the prize exchange booth, where a range of New Year gifts awaited: fridge magnets, building block kits, keychains, sticky notes, New Year sachets, reindeer antler hair clips, and heaps of candy to enjoy. Everyone left with smiles and hands full of delightful rewards.

Mailbox Club: Spreading Warmth Through Thoughtful Gifts

Mailbox, a student-led psychology club, also shone during the event. They prepared a variety of snacks, stickers, and Christmas cards for participants, adding an extra layer of care and warmth to the festivities.

Reflecting on a Semester of Mental Wellness Initiatives

This semester, the Teacher Advisor Office organized a series of creative activities that helped students find relaxation and healing amidst their schedules: “Drawing-a-Person-in-the-Rain (DAPR)” activity encouraged students to explore self-awareness through art; the lecture on Inside Out inspired students to regulate their emotions scientifically; the “Pop the Stress Away” activity allowed students to release tension by popping bubble wrap; Pebble Painting, co-hosted with the HAP psychology club, fostered creativity and mindfulness; the mindfulness meditation sessions provided tranquility and mental clarity.

In addition, A cozy Wellness Room for Grades 11-12 students, has also opened in Xianmian Building. It is a special place for students to relax their minds with a variety of materials such as beadwork, mandala painting, clay and plaster painting, as well as seasonal activities such as leaf bookmarks, collage, poetry, and more. These activities help students calm their minds and enjoy the fun of creativity through writing and drawing, so that they can focus more on the present moment.

The Wellness Room features a cosy sofa area where students can sit around, let go of the stress of studying for a while, and share their joys and sorrows with friends to promote mutual understanding and friendship. It is not only a place to relax, but also a space for students to support each other and grow together.

The Wellness Room also provides counselling services on an appointment basis. Psychology teachers will patiently listen to students, help them sort out their confusion in academics and relationships, and provide scientific psychological support and advice. This helps students solve practical problems and enhance their confidence and ability to cope with stress.

From each drop of paint and every embrace to every piece of candy, our mental health initiatives have consistently aimed to enhance students’ awareness of psychological well-being. We are dedicated to fostering a more open and supportive environment for mental health. In the future, we will continue to bring innovative and engaging activities to support teachers and students on their journey to better mental health.

Let’s look forward to a new semester filled with joy and wellness!

(Written by Ms. Yu Qinye, Ms. Shen Yuting   Photos by 9(9) Emma, 10(6) Aeryn, Ms. Chen Lin, Ms. Feng Minjie, Ms. Wang Tongyan   Edited by Ms. Shi Hanyue   Reviewed by Ms. Gu Ying, Ms. Shen Chenli   Proofread by Mr. Cody Allen Turner)