Principal Weekly Update 14 | Well-Being and Pink Shirt Day

Hello everyone,

I am Ian Barnes the International Principal at Concordia Ningbo.

This week is Well-Being Week here at Concordia International School Ningbo, and it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on something that matters just as much as academics—how we feel.

In the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), well-being isn’t an extra—it’s essential. We know that children learn best when they feel safe, valued, and connected. That’s why we focus on helping students develop self-management, emotional awareness, resilience, and positive relationships. These skills aren’t just important for school—they’re important for life.

We’ve seen that when students know how to regulate their emotions, ask for help, and collaborate with others, they grow not just as learners—but as people.

And on Friday, we will celebrate Pink Shirt Day—a day that reminds us that kindness, respect, and inclusion are the foundation of a healthy school community. Originally started to stand up against bullying, Pink Shirt Day is now a global movement that encourages us to accept and celebrate our differences, whether in personality, background, or beliefs.

We want our students to know:

It’s okay to be different.

It’s okay to speak up.

And it’s always okay to be kind.

So this week, whether your child is learning how to solve a friendship problem, practicing mindfulness, or wearing pink to show support—know that these moments matter. Because well-being is not just a feeling—it’s a skill we can grow together.

Thank you, have a wonderful weekend.