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31 | Thursday, October 20, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com education Mindfulness practices enhance learning at Rotherglen Walking the halls of Rotherglen, you might be surprised to see students and teachers in calm repose with eyes closed, or to hear a chime or "singing bowl" bringing everyone gently to attention. Rotherglen School has embraced mindfulness, the cultivation of focused awareness on the present moment through breathing. For a few minutes each day, faculty and students clear their thoughts and participate in breathing or movement exercises in preparation for learning. Current medical and educational research espouses the many benefits of mindfulness including, enhanced concentration, improved self-regulation and anxiety reduction. Students at Rotherglen students learn through a variety of activities and discussions about cultivating a healthy mind. In Grade 1, children are setting up a peaceful place in their classroom where they can stop, breath and enjoy looking at objects from nature. Grade 4 students are learning with great interest about their brain's plasticity, and how mindfulness helps the thinking part of their brain (the prefrontal cortex) to process emotions and manage decision-making. Grade 7 and 8 students have chosen to implement breathing exercises during transition times and have commented that this helps with their focus and learning readiness. The incorporation of mindfulness at Rotherglen School is just one of the many ways in which mental wellness is promoted and implemented in students as a best practice in education. Rotherglen is a school with a strong commitment to academics, as well as the social and emotional development of students. It is a school guided by tradition, yet committed to incorporating current and relevant methodologies to support and enrich student learning. For more information visit the Rotherglen School Open House on Saturday, October 22 and learn more about the school community. Seeing believing. For more information on educational programs, visit www.rotherglen.com. Advertorial OPEN HOUSE S a t u r d a y, O c t o b e r 22, 2016 10 : 0 0 a . m . t o 2 : 0 0 p . m . Rotherglen is so much more than a vibrant learning community. It's a place where curiosity is fostered, challenges are faced and achievements are celebrated. It's where students grow, become inspired, discover their talents and develop a love of learning. It's where every child's individual educational journey and experiences are nurtured and encouraged. Seeing is believing! Please join us on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to learn how a Rotherglen education can be part of your child's bright future and path to success. Rotherglen, what school should be. Oakville Primary Campus Montessor i: Age 3 to Grade 1 2045 Sixth Line, Oakville, ON 905-338-3528 | mwilliamson@rotherglen.com Oakville Elementary Campus Grade 1 to 8 2050 Neyagawa Blvd., Oakville, ON 905-849-1897 | tdupreez@rotherglen.com W W W . R O T H E R G L E N . C O M