Dorchester school hosts touching 'bear assembly' amid concerns for pupils' mental health and wellbeing

By Lottie Welch

12th Feb 2021 | Local News

A Dorchester headteacher held a unique whole-school 'bear assembly' amid rising concerns for pupils' mental health and wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gary Spracklen, headteacher at The Prince of Wales School, addressed the school hall of teddy bears before packing each bear into an envelope to make its journey to its forever home.

Mr Spracklen said: "These days my daily assemblies take place virtually online, so it was a real treat to lead a whole-school assembly again in the school hall. I must say each bear was immaculately behaved and they all listened very well.

"Each bear now knows what is expected from them as #InspiredToLearn United Colours of POW Bear'. I am pleased to say that following the assembly, all the bears have signed up to our new #InspiredToLearn Bear Code."

The code signed by each #InspiredToLearn United Colours of POW Bear saw each bear solemnly promise to:

• Bring and share love wherever they go

• Provide comfort, friendship and fun to all who love them

The bears also promised that if they saw someone without a smile, they would give them one of their own.

The #InspiredToLearn United Colours of POW Bear project is just one way The Prince of Wales School is helping its pupils and families stay positive at this challenging time.

Mrs Tracy Brooker, ELSA lead at the school, said: "This event sits alongside a huge range of additional activities that the school is doing to support its community at this challenging time including on-site provision for the children of key workers and vulnerable children, weekly phone calls home to all pupils, food parcels, physical resource deliveries, the loan of school equipment - including desks, chairs and Chromebooks - and virtual ELSA sessions."

The school would like to thank The Prince of Wales School PTA (POWSA) for supporting its #InspiredToLearn United Colours of POW Bear project.

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