SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING (S.E.L)

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Program at St. Mary’s International School

At St. Mary’s, we prioritize the social and emotional growth of our students alongside their academic development. Our comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program focuses on building emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience—skills essential for success both in and out of the classroom.

Our SEL program is based on the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) framework, which promotes five core competencies: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. This evidence-based approach helps create a positive school environment and supports students' personal and academic success.

Our program includes three key elements:

1. Weekly SEL-Focused Morning Meetings and Advisory Sessions

Teachers lead weekly morning meetings, providing students with a structured time to connect, develop social skills, and build positive classroom communities. Using a variety of interactive and thought-provoking age-appropriate resources, these sessions foster a sense of belonging and emotional well-being. In older grades, advisory sessions focus on helping students navigate relationships and personal growth through SEL topics.

2. Dedicated SEL Committee

A team of educators and staff make up the SEL Committee, which oversees the program’s development and implementation. The committee also provides ongoing support and professional development for teachers, ensuring SEL practices are effectively integrated into daily school life. The SEL Committee is responsible for promoting a positive, inclusive school climate and developing long-term strategies for SEL growth.

3. Push-In SEL Lessons for Elementary Students

Our Elementary School Counselor delivers bi-weekly push-in SEL lessons, where specific topics such as empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution are reinforced. Using engaging resources like QuaverReady, a program combining music with social-emotional learning activities, the counselor tailors lessons to meet the unique needs of each class. These sessions not only complement the morning meetings but also give students practical tools to apply SEL concepts in real-life situations, strengthening their social-emotional development throughout the school year.

Benefits of Our SEL Program

Aligned with the CASEL framework, our program helps students:

• Develop empathy, self-awareness, and strong communication skills.

• Build resilience and make responsible decisions.

• Foster positive relationships and a strong sense of community.

By promoting emotional well-being, our SEL program contributes to a safe and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.