(CMR) In light of recent government communication to schools regarding a potential self-harm group composed of an unknown number of teens in an unknown number of grades and schools, Cayman International School said it has increased its mental health initiatives and is proactively supporting its students and families with resources and spaces to connect.
The Ministry of Education and Department of Education Services (DES) said following the receipt of unverified information regarding potential risks to student well-being, they promptly contacted public school counsellors and private school principals, to request increased vigilance as a precautionary step.
The DES counsellors and psychologists have since met to review protocols and ensure a consistent, comprehensive support system is in place for public schools. Both short-term and longer-range action plans are also being developed for public schools, The Ministry said.
During the month of May which was Mental Health Month, CIS had a number of initiatives; however, the school noted that mental health does not begin and end with the month of May.
In a recent letter to parents, CIS said well-being plays a key role in CIS’ approach, with the institution's first community principle being kindness.
The institution said students and staff have an array of curricular and co-curricular opportunities to explore, connect in a wide-variety of academic, athletic, artistic and service related endeavors that can support, maintain and enhance their well-being. These are fun and help build resilience, identify and monitor concerns, equip people with personal strategies, and support students, staff and families who face challenges.
On Thursday, 6 June at 8:15 am Parents are invited to attend a meeting at the school to be held in partnership with members of the Alex Panton Foundation to discuss signs of suicide.
CIS said while the information is vague regarding self-harm groups, the CIS team said the information was enough to warrant a separate communication beyond their other regular communication channels and an additional meeting for parents who wish to attend on Thursday 6 June.
The institution said it is their hope that this message does not create unnecessary alarm, but provide some additional awareness and support.