We extended an invitation the event to local primary and prep schools in the area, with a number of year 5 and 6 pupils joining in with many of the activities.
The day offered a full programme of workshops focussing on the key themes of exercise, nutrition, positive mindset and sleep.
It began with an energetic and thought-provoking assembly, led by Wayne Dixon from Scripture Union, a regular guest speaker at Luckley who entertained his audience and talked about how we all need to show kindness to each other.
Dan the Skipping Man followed, demonstrating how to master tricks with a skipping rope, making it look far easier than it was!
Heidi Strickland-Clark, owner and director of Fast Track Fit Camp, led a session with hints and tips on how to stay fit and healthy outdoors during lockdown, whatever the weather.
Former Luckley pupil and Artist, Katie Briggs talked about how creative endeavours can lift our mood at times like these and offered some artistic prompts and tips. Katie showed some of her own stunning artwork, inspiring many to have a go themselves!
A Pilates class by instructor, Lisa Hill gave invaluable advice on posture and how to sit correctly at our computers, as well as moves to stretch out the body!
Another former Luckley pupil, Katrina Monk, now a Body image specialist talked about how we can recognise the pressures faced by young people for what they really are, and offered ways of coping with them.
Nutritionist, Joanne Hart gave some great advice on how to stay healthy and what we can get away with in terms of ‘treats’ during lockdown. Joanne gave us a recipe for healthy muffins, which Mr Vallance then went on to attempt to make – successfully of course!
Bible and Cake Club was an extension of our very popular club run in school, with the addition of some new members; the babies of our teaching staff! Lively discussions took place about the Bible amongst all the entertainment that the babies provided.
A real highlight of the day was Bhangracise Fitness, an uplifting Indian-inspired dance workout with Rajeev Gupta, who has taught professionals on Strictly, and won awards during lockdown for services to the community.
Dr Lindsay Browning a Chartered Psychologist, Neuroscientist and Sleep expert then gave practical advice on how to get the sleep we all need.
The day finished with a brilliant Comedy Magic Show by Steve Price, with his incredible tricks and intriguing illusions which stunned the audience!
Deputy Head, Mr Vallance was delighted with the success of the event:
“The Wellbeing Day was one of those ideas that just ‘worked’. Pupils, parents, staff and alumni all joining together as part of the Luckley family to help raise each other’s moods in this very challenging second lockdown. I am extremely grateful to all of our presenters who delivered an outstanding programme and it is a testament to their skills that despite the fact that people were invited to pop in and out of the sessions at no time were there less than 150 people on the Zoom call.”
Head, Mrs Areti Bizior added:
“Education at Luckley has always been about supporting the holistic development of the individual – body, mind and spirit. We know that current times are challenging for us all, and especially for our young people, so we have taken a coordinated approach towards a positive mindset, good mental health and holistic wellbeing, not only for our pupils, but for the whole Luckley community. Our wellbeing day is one of many initiatives launched this year and we are already planning what we can do next term!”
And the pupils and parents were thrilled to have been able to take part in such a well-organised and engaging day off timetable:
“Wow! You are getting very good at these extracurricular days; today was brilliant. Thank you for making my daughter laugh and become more animated than I have seen her for a while. There was a lot of laughing to be heard in our house today. Today came just at the right time, and was full of wonderful sessions. The combination of physical activity, mental health strategies, a chance to mix Bible and Babies (genius) and extraordinary and inspiring talents (skipping, dance and the magic) was superb. Thank you for your inspiration, energy and organisation. This was a fantastic day Mr Vallance; a demonstration of Luckley at its finest yet again. I cannot thank you enough for giving us a real lift.”
Mrs Joanna Weaver, Luckley Parent
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for organising such a fun and informative day today. I attended every session and enjoyed all of them, but my favourites had to be Bible and Babies – the babies are so cute! My other favourite was the dancing – that was really good fun – it was a really good day and I had a great time!”
Isobel B, Year 12 student
