Mental Health Awareness Week offered our school community a powerful opportunity to pause, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversations about emotional wellbeing, for ourselves and for each other. It reminded us that taking care of our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health, and that small acts of empathy can make a big difference.
Throughout the week, a variety of activities encouraged students and staff to embrace the themes of resilience, balance, and the courage to ask for help. One highlight was our school-wide effort on Thursday, 15 May, where everyone was invited to wear green—an international colour of mental health awareness—in a show of unity and support.
In the Secondary School, students reflected on how we, as a community, can work together to strengthen mental health support at all levels. As part of this reflection, students made personal commitments to carry out small, regular acts of kindness—reminders that even the simplest gestures can have a lasting impact on someone’s wellbeing.
Another important initiative launched during the week was the development of a community database, highlighting places in Vienna and the surrounding area where VIS families have found connection—through sports, arts, clubs, volunteer opportunities, and shared interests. This growing resource is intended to support current and incoming families in building strong, inclusive networks beyond the classroom.
Mental Health Awareness Week may have come to a close, but at VIS, we remain committed to nurturing a culture of care where everyone deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued.