Ali O'Marra-Armstrong
Assistant Head of School, Academics

As the holiday season approaches—a time filled with magic, joy, celebration, and the company of friends and family—it also brings the inevitability of stress (think cooking a turkey!). This week marks Culminating Week, a time when our students showcase their knowledge by demonstrating their understanding through final assessments, exams, projects, and performances. I am sure you know all about the research posters, final exams and projects that your children are working on. So, this time of year can be especially challenging for students, as they navigate the final hurdles between themselves and the promise of a well-deserved holiday break.

While stress can be uncomfortable, it is an essential part of learning. Every time I write these articles, I wonder if you think I’m just someone who endlessly champions “doing hard things”? But the truth is, the gift you’ve given your children by sending them to RLC is the opportunity to experience challenge and change in a safe, nurturing environment—something I witness firsthand every day. This is a place where students are supported by exceptionally caring educators who help them navigate life’s tougher moments.

The good news is, as Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal explains, “Stress isn’t always harmful... Once you appreciate that going through stress makes you better at it, it can be easier to face each new challenge.” She also says, “When students embrace stress as a natural part of growth, it can make them stronger, smarter, and even happier.” The end of the semester often brings a mix of relief and heightened emotions, reminding us that stress, when managed well, is both a challenge and an opportunity.

The key lies in recognizing the difference between helpful stress, which fosters a growth mindset, and harmful stress, which can overwhelm. Effective stress management involves strategies such as staying organized, being active, sleeping and seeking support when needed. These approaches help students turn stress into something beneficial. Equally important is knowing when stress becomes overwhelming—and when to reach out for help. This is a critical life skill for long-term well-being that we hope to instill in all of our students. 

As parents, we often feel the urge to shield our children from stress. I’ve certainly been guilty of this myself. However, allowing them to face “hard things” equips them to handle future challenges with greater confidence and resilience (affectionately known as grit). As the semester ends and students head home for the holidays, the stress of Culminating Week gives way to the joy of the break to come. The sight of our students getting on the bus or being picked up by family next Friday afternoon symbolizes the promise of rest and renewal. Now, all we need to do is get ready for the holidays!

I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and warm holiday season!

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McGonigal, Kelly. Embracing stress is more important than reducing stress, Stanford psychologist says. Stanford News (2015) 

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