HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND SAFETY
Washington International School is committed not only to our mission of being an exemplary learning community, but also to ensuring the mental, emotional, and physical health and well-being of our students.
CHILD SAFEGUARDING
At WIS, we are committed to safeguarding and protecting our students, and to providing a secure environment. We expect all employees, parents, and volunteers to be aware of possible signs of abuse and/or neglect of students. Our Child Protection Policy was developed in accordance with standards from accrediting agencies and in acknowledgment of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Training on child protection awareness and procedures occurs on an annual basis.
All WIS employees, as well as many volunteers, must complete a background investigation process prior to hiring. This investigation is renewed every two years.
We have security measures in place, including security guards and appropriately-placed cameras. Students and employees participate in regular drills for internal and external threats.
Our Safeguarding Lead is Associate Head of School Natasha Bhalla (EMAIL). In addition, we have Child Protection Teams at each division (Primary, Middle, Upper).
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
WIS approaches community health and wellness in a holistic, age-appropriate manner. Adults and children whose mental, emotional, and physical lives are in balance are supported in times of difficulty and have greater opportunities to lead happy, grounded, and fulfilling lives. Our wellness initiatives emphasize the following:
- Helping students manage academic pressure.
- Working proactively through School Student Support Teams to identify students at risk as early as possible. This includes being alert to: poor academic performance, bullying, depression/anxiety, as well as students engaging in behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.
- Teaching students about the parameters of healthy friendships and relationships.
- Emphasizing how to maintain wellness through balanced use of technology, physical activity, healthy dietary habits, and proper hygiene.
- Offering programs that include strategies for managing anxiety and depression.
- Engaging faculty and staff in professional development to support student wellness initiatives AND offering wellness activities for employees, such as yoga, mindfulness sessions, and social gatherings.