OWIS Staff Spotlight Series: Nurturing student well-Being through pastoral care

School is often considered a second home for students, a place where they can thrive, learn, and grow. To ensure they reach their full potential, maintaining their mental well-being is crucial. Exam stress and other pressures can overwhelm them, making it essential to provide the support needed to manage fear and stress. 

At our international school in Riyadh, we take a proactive approach to pastoral care and student well-being. Read what Ms. Lina, our Dy. Lead of Special Education, has to say about helping students navigate challenges and ensuring student well-being.

1. What approaches does OWIS Riyadh take to help Early Years students transition smoothly from home to school?

At OWIS Riyadh, we understand that entering a school environment can be a significant milestone for young children and their families. 

Our goal is to create a nurturing atmosphere where children can thrive, encouraging their confidence and eagerness to learn as they embark on this new journey.

To make this transition as positive and engaging as possible, we provide a range of child-centered activities that are thoughtfully designed to capture students’ curiosity and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Our teachers and support staff pay close attention to each child’s unique needs, focusing on establishing a foundation of trust. Predictable routines and clear expectations are introduced to give students a sense of structure, helping them feel secure and confident as they adapt to their new environment.

Throughout the transition process, we maintain open communication with families, ensuring they are informed and involved every step of the way. By gradually building familiarity and comfort, we aim to create a seamless, positive experience that sets the foundation for a happy and successful school journey.

2. What support systems are in place to help students manage exam-related stress?

Our school offers a variety of support systems designed to help students effectively manage exam-related stress. One key component is the individual sessions as counseling where students can openly discuss their anxieties and concerns related to exams. This personalized approach allows students to explore their feelings in a safe and supportive environment, where they can receive guidance tailored to their specific needs.

During these sessions, students learn valuable coping strategies to help them navigate the pressures of exam preparation. Our  focus is on equipping students with practical tools for managing stress, including mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, and positive visualization practices. By encouraging students to express their emotions and fears, we help them build resilience and develop a healthier mindset toward challenges.

One of our key programs is the Heartfulness Program, which includes weekly mindfulness sessions designed to help students develop self-awareness, manage stress, and cultivate emotional balance. These sessions teach students valuable skills such as reflection, breathing techniques, and grounding exercises, enabling them to handle challenges with greater emotional intelligence.

In addition to individual counseling, we also offer exam accommodations for students who may require additional support. These accommodations are designed to address specific learning needs, ensuring that every student has a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities. This may include extended time for completing exams, a quiet testing environment, or alternative formats that suit their learning styles.

Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of a balanced lifestyle, especially during exam periods. We encourage students to prioritize adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining mental clarity and emotional well-being. Our school community promotes the idea that taking breaks for relaxation and self-care is essential for enhancing focus and productivity.

Through these comprehensive support systems, including exam accommodations, we aim to empower our students to approach their exams with confidence and a positive attitude, ultimately fostering a more enriching and less stressful educational experience.

3. What steps does OWIS Riyadh take to prevent bullying?

At OWIS Riyadh, preventing bullying is not just a priority; it is a fundamental aspect of our educational philosophy. We understand that every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued within the school environment. To achieve this, we are committed to actively promoting a culture of respect, kindness, and inclusivity throughout our entire school community.

To begin, we have developed a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that clearly outlines our stance against bullying and specifies the procedures for reporting and addressing any incidents that may arise. This policy is communicated to all students, staff, and parents to ensure that everyone understands the expectations and responsibilities related to maintaining a safe school environment.

In managing student behavior, we use tools like Behavior Reflection Charts, which encourage students to self-reflect on their actions and learn from their experiences. This practice helps students develop responsibility for their behavior while promoting emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills. By focusing on reflection rather than punishment, we guide students towards positive growth and self-awareness.

Our proactive approach includes conducting regular presentation sessions and engaging activities for students, where we focus on raising awareness about the importance of respectful interactions and the impact of bullying. These sessions are interactive and designed to resonate with students of all ages, utilizing age-appropriate discussions, role-playing, and group activities. Through these engaging formats, students learn to identify various forms of bullying, including physical, verbal, and cyberbullying. They also explore the emotional and psychological effects that bullying can have on individuals, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding among peers.

Recognizing that teachers and staff are often the first line of defense against bullying, we invest in their professional development by providing comprehensive training on identifying early signs of bullying behavior. Our staff is trained not only to recognize overt acts of bullying but also to detect subtle indicators, such as changes in a student’s behavior or social interactions. They are encouraged to create a supportive atmosphere in their classrooms where students feel comfortable reporting concerns. This proactive monitoring enables us to intervene promptly and effectively whenever instances of bullying are identified.

Additionally, we address bullying by working directly with students who may be involved in bullying situations—whether as victims, perpetrators, or bystanders. We conduct individual and group sessions focused on developing essential life skills, such as empathy, conflict resolution, and effective communication techniques. Through these programs, students learn the importance of understanding and respecting diverse perspectives, which not only helps to mitigate bullying but also promotes a sense of community within the school.

To empower students further, we promote the concept of bystander intervention, teaching them that they have the power to make a positive difference. Students are encouraged to speak up when they witness bullying and to support their peers in times of need. We believe that fostering a culture of active involvement creates a collective responsibility for ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.

At OWIS Riyadh, we also recognize that collaboration with parents is essential in our efforts to prevent bullying. We engage parents through regular communications. By fostering open communication between school and home, we ensure that parents are informed and can work in partnership with us to address any concerns related to bullying.

Ultimately, our comprehensive approach to preventing bullying involves the active participation of students, staff, and parents. We are dedicated to cultivating an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and respected, allowing them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. By instilling these values in our school culture, we aim to create not just a school, but a community where kindness and inclusivity are the cornerstones of our educational experience.

4. How are students empowered to make decisions about their learning and well-being?

At OWIS Riyadh, we are committed to empowering students by giving them a voice in their learning journey and well-being. As an IB school, we implement ‘student agency’ as a core part of our teaching approach. This allows students to have a say in how and why they are learning, fostering a sense of ownership and active participation in their education. By understanding and shaping their own learning paths, students develop a lasting commitment to their growth and engagement in their studies.

Our house system, which serves as our student leadership program, is a powerful tool for building responsibility, leadership, and a strong sense of community. We have four houses, each guided by a team of student leaders: House Captains, Vice House Captains, and Kindness Leaders. These student-led committees encourage active involvement in the school’s environment, giving students meaningful opportunities to shape school initiatives, extracurricular activities, and events. By participating in the house system, students gain practical skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. They learn to work with peers from diverse backgrounds, develop confidence, and contribute positively to the wider community, preparing them to be compassionate, engaged, and effective leaders both in school and beyond.

To further emphasize social-emotional learning, we implement awareness campaigns and assemblies that focus on themes such as kindness, inclusion, and empathy. These events reinforce key values and provide students with opportunities to reflect on their interactions with others, recognize the impact of their actions, and build a supportive school environment.

6 . How does the school teach students to be considerate and respectful of peers from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds?

At OWIS Riyadh, kindness and compassion are core values that shape everything we do, extending throughout our school’s mission, values, curricula, and assessment practices. This commitment to kindness goes beyond a guiding principle; it’s an active approach that fosters respect, empathy, and consideration, preparing our students with the skills they need to thrive in a global society.

We celebrate diversity as one of the school’s greatest strengths, with International Day as a highlight of our year. This event provides students with a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the richness of various cultures and traditions within our community. These experiences help students recognize the similarities and differences among their peers, fostering a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect.

Through our curriculum, we further emphasize lessons on empathy, respect, and cultural appreciation, equipping students to understand and engage with people from diverse backgrounds. Our dedication to kindness and cultural understanding allows students to become compassionate global citizens, making a positive impact in a multicultural world while ensuring that every student feels valued and respected.

7. How does the school identify and address any emotional challenges students may face?

At OWIS Riyadh, we take a proactive approach to identifying and addressing any emotional challenges students may face. Our teachers and support staff are trained to recognize early signs of emotional distress, such as changes in behavior, academic performance, or social interactions. When concerns are identified, the support department, including me and the special education teacher, steps in to provide personalized support, offering a safe and confidential space where students can express their feelings and work through challenges.

We also maintain an open line of communication with parents, partnering with them to understand each child’s unique needs and ensure consistent support. Additionally, our curriculum includes social-emotional learning components, equipping students with tools to manage stress, build resilience, and develop self-awareness. Through this combination of early detection, individualized care, and proactive learning, we create a supportive environment that prioritizes students’ emotional well-being.

8. How are parents involved in supporting the emotional and mental well-being of their children at school?

At our school, we prioritize the mental and emotional well-being of our students by actively partnering with parents to create a nurturing environment that supports each child’s development. We encourage open communication, helping parents foster a safe space at home where children feel comfortable expressing their feelings. Our school regularly hosts activities and events, such as workshops, sports days, and meetings, to strengthen parent involvement, enhancing students’ sense of belonging.

 As a counselor I closely monitor behavioral signs, such as mood changes or social withdrawal, and work with parents to address concerns early on, ensuring timely, coordinated support. We encourage parents to mirror the positive environment we cultivate at school, fostering a safe and nurturing home atmosphere where students feel valued. We also promote modeling healthy coping strategies, showing students constructive ways to handle emotions and challenges. When needed, we connect families with mental health professionals for specialized support. By working closely with parents, our school provides consistent, effective support that helps students build resilience, equipping them with the skills to thrive in school and beyond.

9. What communication channels exist between the school and parents to address any concerns related to student well-being?

 Our primary platform for keeping parents informed is Toddle, where you can view updates on your child’s progress, access teacher comments, and stay informed on school announcements. Toddle also allows for direct messaging with teachers and staff, so you can reach out anytime with questions or concerns. For more specific or detailed updates, we frequently use email, which is especially helpful for sharing resources or providing individualized feedback. When matters are immediate or sensitive, we prefer phone calls to ensure direct and personal communication. We are also always open to scheduling meetings as needed to discuss any concerns in depth. Our goal is to make sure that parents stay informed and supported every step of the way.