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Danes Educational Trust hosts Mental Health Matters Conference

This week the Danes Educational Trust hosted a Mental Health Matters Conference for sharing best practice approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing amongst schools. Approximately eighty teachers and support staff attended the conference when they had an opportunity to attend workshops and listen to speeches from mental health professionals and guests involved in mental health issues.

Old Dane Jack Rooke who is a comedian, campaigner, artist and writer gave a fascinating speech ‘Good Grief – a personal reflection’.  Jack's debut BBC Three series Happy Man was broadcast in April 2017, a documentary exploring alternative solutions to the male mental health crisis, which was nominated for Best Factual in the iTalkTelly Awards 2017 and earned Rooke a place on the BBC New Talent Hotlist 2017.​

BAFTA and Emmy Award winning Media Executive, Sallyann Keizer gave a speech ‘Finding Happy in a Digital World’. Managing Director of Sixth Sense Media Ltd., Sallyann set up the London-based independent production company in 2000 to give young people a voice - and to empower, inspire, entertain and inform children globally. Sallyann is passionate about children’s wellbeing and empowering them to live emotionally resilient lives. 

Sam Garner, a renowned trainer and speaker on Mental Health and SEN, gave a speech: ‘Supporting mental health in your school day to day’. A former SENCO and qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, Sam works with schools nationally and internationally.

The delegates had an opportunity to attend a selection of workshops titled 'Measuring Impact', 'Scratching the Surface', 'Rebalancing', 'Art Therapy in School', 'The Psychology of Learning', 'Resilience' and 'Circle of Friends'.

The conference was a great success with the delegates commenting on how informative and helpful they had found the programme, stating that they had gained much from the variety of workshops and talks available during the day.

 

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19th December

Charities Week 2025

The halls of St Clement Danes School have been buzzing with holiday cheer this week as the annual Charities Week is officially in full swing. As the Autumn Term draws to a close, pupils and staff have united to raise vital funds for three incredible causes: Endometriosis UK, Spread a Smile, and Herts Young Homeless. The school is alive with the spirit of giving, driven by a jam packed ‘Advent’ schedule designed to get everyone involved in the fundraising efforts. This year’s itinerary has been filled with exciting activities, ranging from pupil led lessons and a "Mystery Bucket" challenge to the competitive excitement of the "Elf Auction" and various competitions. Pupils have also enjoyed the classic "Sponge the Teacher" event and a visit to Santa’s Grotto, ensuring the festive atmosphere is matched only by the community’s generosity. Beyond the classroom activities, pupils have been sharing the festive spirit with the wider community. On 18th December, the SCD Senior Choir paid a special visit to Chorleywood Manor Care Home. The residents were treated to a beautiful selection of Christmas carols, featuring performances by members of the Chamber Choir, Evensong Choir, and the Barbershop Choir. Year 12 pupils Immy and Chrissie noted that "it was a very joyful occasion and it was lovely to see the residents joining in and looking so happy." The success of such a busy week relies heavily on pupil leadership, and the school extends a massive vote of thanks to Year 13 for their incredible hard work and dedication. Their enthusiasm have been the driving force behind this week's fundraising efforts. The week is set to conclude on Friday with the Grand Finale: the highly anticipated Sixth Form Revue, promising a spectacular end to a week of community, charity and celebration.