Ming-De International School is committed to providing education and care to our students to assist them to develop into high achieving, supported students, positively connected to each other and to the communities in which they live and which they will serve. We recognise that effective learning can only occur in a secure environment where the dignity, rights and responsibilities of others are known and respected, and where standards and rules are fairly and consistently applied.
The core values of Sinology and Buddha’s teachings are embedded in a whole school strategic approach to a holistic education that focuses on our key values of filial respect, excellence, courtesy, pride, personal responsibility, integrity, sensitivity, tolerance, and inclusion.
Wellbeing at Ming-De International School
Through the School’s Wellbeing Program, we aim to create a place of joy and love of learning, where students treat each other kindly, talk to staff and seek help when needed, and utilise skills and strategies to manage their own thoughts, emotions and relationships. A proactive approach to wellbeing!
The wellbeing of students and staff is integral to the holistic education at the heart of our School. Our goal is to promote excellence and equity to ensure that students develop the skills and strategies to build a flourishing life. Some of the factors that make up student wellbeing at Ming-De include:
- Having supportive relationships;
- Feeling their life has meaning and purpose:
- Feeling connected to others in their school and community;
- Feeling confident in their ability to manage their emotions; and
- Doing activities that are important to them.
How Do We Do This?
Using the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework (2018)to provide the school community with best-practice advice on developing and implementing policies and support mechanisms, we have developed a program that embeds the five key elements of the Wellbeing Framework into School policies, programs and community partnerships.
Whole School Behaviour Framework
We work each day to create a safe and supportive learning environment that is based on a whole school behaviour framework called Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL). This is a proactive approach that relies on research based practices, including developing clear behavioural expectations, acknowledging appropriate behaviours, consistently correcting inappropriate behaviour and using behavioural data to systematically address problems.
The Positive Behaviour for Learning framework makes sure all students are explicitly taught the expected behaviours and establishes clear and consistent boundaries. Staff take a proactive, preventative approach to ensure all students receive the appropriate level of support to help them to be successful at school. Student outcomes are monitored so identified students can receive additional support when needed, and a minority of students can access intensive support to enable them to engage successfully at school.
Mindfulness Practice Embedded in the Curriculum
Just as we teach children to eat well and stay fit to keep their bodies healthy, teaching them how to proactively care for their mind is equally important and promotes social and emotional learning. At Ming-De International School we embed mindfulness practice into our daily teaching and learning through Ancient Chinese Reading, Home and Learn and Practice, chanting and meditation and yoga.
The benefits of such practices include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to decrease the production of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in reduced levels of stress and anxiety. These practices promote relaxation and calmness, which can help individuals cope with everyday challenges.
- Improved focus and concentration: Meditation and mindfulness can increase the ability to focus and concentrate by training the mind to remain present in the moment. This can enhance productivity and performance, especially in tasks that require sustained attention.
- Enhanced emotional well-being: Meditation and mindfulness can improve emotional regulation by helping individuals manage difficult emotions such as anger, sadness, and fear. These practices promote self-awareness and self-acceptance, which can lead to greater emotional stability and resilience.
- Increased self-awareness: Meditation and mindfulness can improve self-awareness by promoting a deeper understanding of one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. This can lead to greater self-knowledge and personal growth.
- Improved physical health: Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to have a positive impact on physical health by reducing blood pressure, improving immune function, and reducing symptoms of chronic pain and illness.
