World Mental Health Week brought our ISN community together for a series of activities and discussions centred on fostering emotional and psychological wellbeing. The week was packed with opportunities for students to explore mindfulness, resilience, and self-care, underlining the importance of mental health in every aspect of their lives.

Activities included Mystery Reader sessions for Primary school students, where stories about growth mindset and positivity sparked meaningful conversations on mental wellbeing. These stories encouraged critical thinking about emotional resilience and maintaining a positive outlook, setting a perfect tone for the week’s theme.

We also had a day focused on Cancer Awareness. A special thanks to La Ligue contre le Cancer for their insightful workshops on breast cancer awareness and engaging educational games. These sessions helped both students and staff recognise the strong connection between physical and mental health. The focus on Grade 8 and 12 students highlighted the importance of supporting those affected by cancer, further deepening our holistic approach to wellbeing.

In the afternoon, we were honoured to welcome Madame Diouf, Deputy Mayor of Nice in charge of Women's Rights and Cooperation, and Madame Prot, Subdelegated to Prevention and Health Education at Ville de Nice, along with representatives from La Ligue contre le Cancer, Mimosa, and Support06. They shared the invaluable work they do to support those affected by cancer and their families. Our students were inspired to think about how they can contribute to these important causes. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us in highlighting this critical issue.

Creativity also played a significant role throughout the week. Students across year groups participated in The Big Draw, using art therapy as a powerful tool for self-expression, facilitated by High School students. In the Primary section, students enjoyed cooking and healthy eating sessions led by our wonderful parent volunteers, emphasising how nutrition contributes to overall health.

The Primary school students also gathered for the lively Wake Up & Shake Up event, where music, sing-a-longs, and student performances filled the school with joy and positivity. This fun and energetic activity highlighted the importance of movement in supporting mental health and overall wellbeing.

One of the highlights of the week was the Walk Talk Walk event, where students, parents, and teachers walked side by side, sharing conversations that strengthened the bonds between us. Everyone proudly wore green in support of mental health awareness, turning the event into a powerful visual statement of solidarity. The walk concluded with a fundraising breakfast in support of Mimosa and Cancer Group 06, bringing the community together for a meaningful cause.

We are thrilled to announce that we raised an incredible 600 euros during our Walk Talk Walk and breakfast morning! These funds will be divided between Mimosa and Cancer Group 06, two charities that do amazing work supporting both French and expat families through their cancer journeys.

A huge thank you to all the families who joined us, brought delicious food, and made generous donations. Together, we demonstrated the power of community, connection, and care—reinforcing the message that Mental Health Matters and making this year’s World Mental Health Week a truly impactful experience for everyone involved.

Let's continue to foster a supportive environment where every child can thrive—mind, body, and spirit!