Bethel High School puts teachers’ mental wellness in focus 

By Admin. Updated 12:19 p.m., Saturday, October 10, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Bethel High School has marked World Mental Health Day with its annual Teachers’ Mental Wellness Initiative, giving educators an opportunity to relax, recharge and reflect on the importance of their own well-being.

Organised by the school’s Guidance Department for the second consecutive year, the initiative created a peaceful space where teachers could take a break from their daily responsibilities and focus on themselves.

The space offered simple activities, including colouring, as well as tea and light refreshments. These were intended to encourage mindfulness and give teachers time to slow down amid the demands of the profession.

School Counsellor Mrs Tamisha Samuel-King said it was important for teachers, who spend much of their time supporting students, to have opportunities to care for their own mental health.

“Teachers spend so much of their time pouring into others, often putting the needs of their students first. It is important that we remind them to take a moment for themselves, slow down, and recharge,” Mrs Samuel-King said.

“Their well-being matters, too, and creating spaces where they feel appreciated and supported is an important part of promoting a mentally healthy school environment,” she added.

Teachers play an important role in the academic, social and emotional development of students. However, the demands of the job can leave educators with limited time to attend to their own needs.

The initiative sought to highlight the importance of self-care and reinforce the message that teachers’ mental and emotional well-being deserves attention alongside their professional responsibilities.

The Guidance Department expressed gratitude to Massy Stores, Harmony Investment, Debbie Charles, owner of D’ Bougainvillea Restaurant, and Brenton Smith for contributing to the activity.

Special recognition was also given to Ikarmola of I Kater Foods for what the department described as exceptional generosity. In a light-hearted acknowledgement, the department said Ikarmola had come through with “a yard after being asked for an inch”.

The continuation of the initiative reflects the Guidance Department’s efforts to promote mental health awareness and foster a supportive environment for the school’s teaching staff.

The department also emphasised that mental wellness should not be a priority on World Mental Health Day alone, but should be supported through everyday practices, meaningful connections and opportunities for rest.

Its message to educators was simple: taking care of themselves is not a sign of weakness, but an important part of being able to care for others.

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