Children in South Tyneside learn how to fill their ‘happy tank’

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, welcomed John Magee, AKA the Kindness Coach and UK Kindness Ambassador, for a special Happy Tank Super Learning Day.

John Magee visited the school, on St Joseph’s Way, last year to deliver a special Kindness Matters Day. Founded in 2012 by John Magee, Kindness Matters teaches kindness and wellbeing to schoolchildren and teachers. St Joseph’s was the first Kindness Matters school in South Tyneside.

This month, John returned to hold a Happy Tank Super Learning Day teaching pupils from Nursery to Year 6 different techniques to learn how to self-regulate, improve their self-confidence and resilience, and support their mental health and wellbeing. The Happy Tank Super Learning Day covers six therapeutic areas: breathing, self-reflection, kindness, affirmations, gratitude and happy tapping (EFT).

Year 6 pupil Arianna Ceolin, 10, said: “We have learned so much about helping ourselves from John. We have been inspired to set up our own ‘Happy Tapping’ club that we will run every week.”

Headteacher Paul Craig said: “Throughout society, we are spending less and less time looking after ourselves, and specifically our mental health.

“Happy Tank Day has been an opportunity for our pupils and staff to stop and think about themselves, and how we need to have a full ‘happy tank’ in order to share our own positivity.

“It’s a message that is so important to everyone. A day with John certainly fills everyone’s tank and provides all in our school with the tools to keep this full.”

School staff and pupils also celebrated World Mental Health Day on 10th October by wearing yellow.

There are some places available in Nursery and Reception and visits are welcomed. To book a visit, email: [email protected]