Over the past decade, our school has welcomed numerous children grappling with anxiety, nervousness, shyness and a lack of self-expression. Despite the gradual nature of the process, I have seen significant transformations in these children, witnessing them become more relaxed and less anxious within a few weeks to a full year of attending our school. Observing their journey at Kairos, I have witnessed these children evolve into confident individuals who are less anxious and comfortable in their own skin. It’s remarkable to see not just their personal growth but also their transition into becoming role models within the Kairos community. Drawing from their own experiences, they become empathetic mentors who understand the anxieties of those just starting their educational journey with us. Their willingness to share their journey and provide support contributes immensely to creating a nurturing environment for newcomers, easing their integration at Kairos.

Kairos plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and supportive environment that helps reduce anxiety in children. Below are several strategies we use at Kairos that contribute to the well-being of our children:

1. Welcoming and inclusive Environment: Kairos helps children feel a sense of belonging and acceptance. We immensely value the voices of our children and encourage open communication, providing daily check-ins to address their feelings and concerns.

We encourage positive relationships among students and between students and teachers.

2. Balancing academic and overall Well-being: Kairos recognises that children's success goes beyond grades and test scores. Kairos promotes a growth mindset where effort and progress are celebrated. Assessments are introduced thoughtfully to alleviate unnecessary stress, This approach helps reduce the fear of failure and emphasises the joy of learning over performance pressure.

3. Nonviolent Communication: Fostering empathy through nonviolent communication contributes to a culture of respect and safety. This creates an anxiety-free educational environment where children feel seen and heard.

4. Mindfulness: Integrating mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques into the school day helps children manage stress and improve their focus.

5. Individual Support: We recognise that each child is unique and may have different needs. By providing individual support, we foster an environment that shuns comparisons, allowing each child to pursue their capabilities without undue pressure. Recognising the unique qualities of each child, we accommodate the diverse needs of every child, enabling them to progress at their own pace. Our commitment extends to granting children the time and space they need to learn at their own pace.

6. Positive reinforcement: Celebrating each child’s success and providing ample support to overcome challenges helps create a positive environment. This approach helps children feel secure and comfortable expressing themselves, contributing to increased self-confidence.

Through the above holistic strategies, we aim to cultivate confident individuals who, over time, shed their anxieties and emerge from their shells, ready to engage with the world as self-assured contributors to our society.

As Kairos we really believe that it is true that, "happy children = less worry = better learning."