Children dancing back to happiness at arts festival
CHILDREN from Years 4 and 5 at St. Philip’s CE Primary School took part in the recent Now Festival at the Atkinson Theatre.
The theme was “Mental Health and Belonging” and the children did the school proud with their representation of young people’s experiences of darker feelings such as isolation, loneliness, fear, anger, panic and grief.
It also highlighted the hope that can come through the power of positivity and love.
Mrs Maguire coordinated the event and Mrs Shepherd helped to choreograph the children’s dance.
Other boys and girls from Years 4 and 5 went along to watch and encourage their friends and the school said that supporting each other was a fantastic way to contribute to positive mental health and wellbeing.
Mrs Maguire, PSHE lead at the school, said: “St Philip’s are placing mental health at our school’s core – not only the children’s mental health but the mental health of our entire school community.
“We practise yoga, five breathing and mindfulness.
“We provide sensory trails and chill-out zones for the children.
“I recently completed a mental health first aid course; aiming to get the same status for mental health in our school as physical health.
“It is critical that we address mental health issues and ways in which we can promote positive mental health in our school.
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“The Now Festival has allowed us to raise the profile of children’s mental health even more.”
Annie Neat, organiser of the Now Festival, told the school: “I just wanted to say thank you for such a wonderful Now Festival Sefton 2020.
“We had a fantastic time this year and we hope you did too.
“The pieces were all amazing and we are always so grateful for all the hard work and dedication you put in to your groups. Without you, we wouldn’t have a festival.”
St Philip’s has been presented with a wall plaque and each participant has received a Now Festival T-shirt and a medal.
The children said the experience was “amazing” and something they would never forget.