By: Mrs. Mylene Louise C. Santiago, GS Guidance Counselor
The Philippine Mental Health Association designates October as Mental Health Awareness Month. In line with this, the Grade School Guidance Services developed a Mental Health Program themed “Mindful Ateneo Hearters: Making Moments of Mindfulness.” The program’s activities were launched at the Third Grade School General Assembly on October 1, 2024. To reinforce the theme for pupils, the Grade School Guidance Counselors, their associates, and interns dressed as key characters from Inside Out 2, including Joy, Disgust, Anger, Fear, Embarrassment, Sadness, and Anxiety.
A week-long series of activities took place from October 14-18, 2024 to promote mindfulness and emotional well-being. These activities were advertised and shared across the various class MS Teams channels.
The Class Mental Health Mantra was a central highlight designed to encourage self-reflection and calm. In this activity, each class adviser shared a meaningful mental health mantra or quote that resonated with their pupils. Following this, pupils engaged in a mindfulness coloring exercise, filling in posters that displayed their class mantra. This hands-on creative activity encouraged pupils to reflect on and internalize the message of their class mantra, promoting mindfulness in an engaging and supportive way.
Another activity, Mindful Movements and Music, was designed to help pupils practice mindfulness through the joy of music and movement. During this activity, a guidance intern played soothing live piano music, creating a calm atmosphere while pupils engaged in simple mindfulness exercises, including focused breathing and gentle movements. To wrap up on a joyful note, the pupils joined together in singing two popular songs, celebrating the uplifting power of music and fostering a sense of community.
The activities didn’t end there—an entire week of after-school events was organized in the Grade School AVR, open to all pupils, as well as their parents and guardians. These events included a photobooth box featuring Inside Out characters, a ring-toss game, various board games, and film screenings, all designed to provide fun, relaxation, and a chance for family engagement.
Through these carefully planned activities, the Grade School Guidance Services provided pupils, parents, and guardians with meaningful opportunities to connect, reflect, and grow together in support of mental health awareness. By combining fun, creative exercises with valuable mindfulness practices, this Mental Health Program empowered pupils to better understand and manage their emotions. As October’s Mental Health Awareness Month concludes, the impact of “Mindful Ateneo Hearters: Making Moments of Mindfulness” will continue to resonate, equipping pupils with tools for well-being that extend far beyond the classroom.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam !
