At this morning’s Senior School Assembly, Sara S and Heather C (both SVI) launched Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 at St Columba’s. Throughout the week,

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week, and the focus this year is on belonging. 

Belonging is that feeling that you fit in somewhere that you’re accepted, valued, and able to be yourself. It might be with friends, family, a team, a club, or even just one person who understands you. 

Belonging looks different for everyone. 

For some people it’s laughing with friends at lunch. For others, it’s feeling comfortable in class, being part of a group, or knowing that someone would notice if they weren’t there. 

And while belonging can feel easy sometimes, there are also moments when it doesn’t.

You can be surrounded by people and still feel left out, and that can affect how we feel about ourselves and our mental health. 

That’s why this week matters. It’s about recognising those feelings, starting conversations, and reminding ourselves that no one here is meant to feel invisible or alone.

As part of Children’s Mental Health Week, there are a few things happening around school that we’d really encourage you to get involved in. 

There will be a stall at reception during break and lunch where you can share anonymously what makes you feel like you belong. You don’t need to write your name, and there’s no right or wrong answer  just whatever feels right for you . 

It could be something big, like being part of a sports team or a club, or something small, like a teacher checking in on you or a friend sitting next to you when you need it. 

There will also be activities during form time all week. These are a chance to reflect, listen, and think about belonging, both for ourselves and for others. You don’t need to share anything you’re uncomfortable with; just taking part is enough. 

If there’s one thing to remember this week, it’s that belonging isn’t about changing who you are . It’s about being accepted as you are. And sometimes, a small action can make a big difference to someone else. 

So please get involved if you can, visit the stall, and take part during form time.