At BSS, student well-being is essential for learning and flourishing, and a core part of how we educate girls.
Rooted in positive psychology, our approach to well-being emphasizes flexibility, creativity and resilience — qualities at the heart of inquiry. Our research-driven programs and services are fully integrated into school life from JK to Grade 12, enhancing academic achievement, fostering connection and meaning, and encouraging personal development. Through consultations with students, parents and faculty, we’ve built a framework that addresses the real needs and challenges that impact our students’ learning, like perfectionism, anxiety, time management and social dynamics. Aligned with the principles of inquiry-based learning, well-being at BSS emphasizes agency, competence and the importance of relationships. It is not about being free from difficulties, but developing the knowledge and skills to navigate challenges and thrive. It nurtures both intellectual capability and emotional wellness in each student so they may lead fulfilling lives.
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Circle of Care
The Circle of Care centers the child in education, reinforcing that student well-being is essential for learning and growth. This collaborative approach relies on continuous communication, assessment and a commitment to responding to students’ diverse identities and needs holistically. Parents and guardians are integral to this network, working alongside our educators to support each student’s journey.
Tiered Support
Our tiered approach to well-being establishes a strong foundation for all students, with increasing levels of support for those facing challenges. The first tier promotes well-being by fostering social connections, inclusion, belonging and positive practices in both explicit and implicit ways, inside and outside the classroom. For students encountering difficulties, we offer progressively specialized support, collaborating with internal teams and external providers as needed.
Domains of Well-Being
We understand well-being as the balance between seven domains that align with the seven attributes of the Signature of a BSS Girl. When thoughtfully and seamlessly integrated into our curriculum and programs, students feel seen, valued and heard. They cultivate their own unique well-being skill set — and empower others to do the same.
An adaptable mindset helps students identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to stress. It enables students to view both successes and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Adaptability leads to a growth mindset.
Empathy and compassion enable students to recognize feelings, challenges and circumstances, fostering connection and kindness towards one’s self and others. Cultivating empathy and compassion builds ethical citizens.
Gratitude promotes positive emotions, broadens the mind and boosts creativity. Appreciating what is going well, despite challenges, builds social connections and coping mechanisms — contributing to life-long psychological flourishing. Gratitude fosters curiosity.
Engaging in mindful awareness helps students understand their inner state and respond to their experiences in the most effective way possible. Practicing mindfulness helps develop self-awareness.
Understanding the mind-body connection enables students to embrace all their emotions, align their actions with their values and goals, and build a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy. Practicing self-regulation develops grit.
Affirming each person’s identity allows students to show up authentically, connect meaningfully and practice kindness. Kindness and connection enables healthy relationships, a diverse community, and challenging, meaningful learning. It is the basis for empowering each students’ unique voice.
By acknowledging and valuing the unique identities of each member of our community, we build our individual and collective strength. Students are empowered to have a positive impact on people, communities and the world. Recognizing and using their strengths builds leaders.
What well-being looks like at BSS
Across the school, well-being covers all aspects of a student's educational experience: academic, social-emotional, physical and spiritual.
Learning Services
Our Learning Specialists provide individualized support, collaborating with teachers, counsellors and parents to develop effective strategies for academic success. The Learning Resource Centre (LRC) enhances the learning skills and strategies taught in our classrooms. It facilitates accommodations for students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), using assistive technology, language resources and skill-building workshops. It also offers extra help to all students, including a drop-in peer tutoring program.
Well-Being Counsellors
Our Well-Being Counsellors are experts in the social and emotional life of girls. They work closely with faculty and students to build engaging, relevant and culturally responsive programs. Well-Being Counsellors also provide one-on-one support as needed, and collaborate with our University Counsellors to ensure students gain the skills they need to succeed at BSS and beyond.
School Psychologist
Our School Psychologist works individually with students to provide psychological and mental health support, and collaborates with teachers to ensure a learning environment that meets students’ unique needs.
Advisory Programs
Starting in Grade 4, BSS students join small advisory groups led by faculty to foster supportive relationships and regular reflection. In Grades 7 and 8, students take core subjects within their Advisory class, with Grade 8 classes divided into smaller groups for more personalized guidance. In Grades 9 - 12, each student joins a Teacher Advisory Group (TAG), with the same advisor each year, providing a trusted space for personal and academic discussions. Boarding students also benefit from Family Advisory Groups led by Boarding Advisors.
Wellness Centre
With Registered Nurses on site, the Wellness Centre supports the physical and mental health of students and delivers health and wellness initiatives, such as a seasonal flu shot clinic. They play an essential role in the Circle of Care by collaborating with faculty to support students’ return to learning after illness, injury or other challenges.
Chapel
Students gather weekly in our historic Chapel in a spirit of inclusivity that affirms our multifaith and multicultural community. Our Chaplain helps students explore their spirituality, fosters a community of ethical responsibility and provides spiritual support through individual counselling.
Student Life
Connection and community is a cornerstone of well-being. Students from JK to Grade 12 belong to one of 12 Houses, fostering connections across grades through fun activities. Through a student-centered leadership program, students lead initiatives and groups (such as Mental Health Awareness Week and the Well-Being Council) that strengthen belonging and inclusion across the school. Boarding students benefit from evening and weekend activities that build camaraderie, as well as life skills workshops that support their physical and mental health.