Mental health has always been an important topic of discussion for students. Hence, last week, WIS student health ambassadors organized Mental Health Week, with this year’s theme being “Mindset into Motion”. By working with the health ambassadors within WIS, such as the wellbeing counselors and Ms Brown, these students had set up the week so that each day centered around a theme: tuning in, learning, service, connection and being active. 

During lunchtime, the student health ambassadors also sold pins to raise money for the KELY support group: an organization that provides wellbeing support for the youth in Hong Kong. 

Each student health ambassador also carried out their own mental-health-related activity during the week. Josephine Law, for example, was responsible for preparing Monday’s ‘tune in’ slideshow. 

“We created slides and a task for students to do, where they had to write a thank you card to a teacher of their choice.” She said, stressing the importance of reflection, as well as being mindful of the opportunities and privileges they have. 

“The main objective of tuning in is to be grateful for the people around you,” Josephine said. 

“We also organized Friday’s lunchtime performances to allow students to be more aware of their surroundings.” 

However, one one of the biggest challenges that Josephine came across was time management. 

“As IB students we are quite busy,” She said, highlighting the various logistical issues and deadlines that she came across while organizing mental health week. 

“We overcame those by working with more people and communicating with the wellbeing counselors.” She said, adding that the process also helped her improve her leadership skills. 

Hayley Graham, another student health ambassador, shared her own experience with organizing Thursday’s student vs. staff basketball game. This activity aimed to promote having a healthy balance between school work and exercise. 

“It’s a really good opportunity to tune out and relax,” she said, adding that the activity would help build connections between students and staff members. 

From this experience, Hayley said became more open to taking risks. This is particularly the case when organizing such a large-scale event. 

“You’ll never know how people will receive or respond to it.” 

Glen Ko, a health ambassador who also contributed to the organization of the student vs. staff basketball game, shared some of the behind-the-scenes work that was put in during the weeks leading up to the event. 

“We did a lot of promotion, we had to send out a lot of emails,” he said.

Being the captain of the WIS volleyball team, Glen is also a strong advocate for the importance of exercise, and how it can improve one’s mental health. 

“I’ve had my fair share of communicating with everyone and making sure that the whole team is in check with how they are feeling,” he said. “That and being a health ambassador made me aware of how being active and how tuning in can help without mental health.” 

Anya Grady, who participated in the student vs. staff basketball game as one of the student players, shared similar thoughts. 

“I was on the court, collaborating, communicating and overall just having a good time,” she said. “I really think that is great for my mental health. Working with others, being in a team, feeling like you’re not alone, and physical health all helps mental health.” 

Anaya also mentioned that mental health is something that needs to be sustained throughout one’s life. This point was further built on by student health ambassador Savannah Chilton, who stressed the importance of seeking support when needed. 

“I think with mental health, engaging with your community and making sure you are staying involved with that community around you will help you maintain your mental health,” Savannah said. “We may not realise it, but the people around us are the people that can really help with how we process our feelings.”

-text by Eli Sim

Year 11 Graduation and Formal

Join us at the 2025 West Island School Bazaar for a delightful day filled with fun and community spirit! Don’t miss the chance to indulge in delicious soft serve from Mister Softee, the beloved Hong Kong ice cream truck that brings smiles to all ages! Six WIS families made donations to bring Mister Softee to the Bazaar! Read on to see how you could receive a free ice cream!