Imagine the perfect boarding school: nestled amidst picturesque meadows yet pulsating with the vibrant energy of city life. Welcome to The TonsBridge School, one of Dehradun’s best boarding schools, where the harmony of nature and the dynamism of urban living converge to create an unparalleled educational experience.
At The TonsBridge School, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional learning opportunities to students from around the globe, right at the heart of India’s educational hub. As educational leaders, we have consistently strived to create a nurturing environment for students that supports their goals and aspirations while fostering their emotional needs. This experience has helped us develop a deep empathy for students who might struggle with homesickness while adjusting to their new life away from home.
Understanding Home Sickness
While boarding schools might be the perfect opportunity for students to tackle new challenges head-on, develop strong bonds, and cultivate a sense of responsibility- it can also feel like an alienating experience to children who might feel like they’re facing the world alone.
To combat this feeling, we’ve upheld ourselves to rigorous standards to ensure every student’s physical and emotional well-being.
Homesickness isn’t a fleeting feeling but a problem we help students face systematically. It can manifest as anxiety, distraction, lack of focus, and more. But with the right guidance and steps, we believe there is no barrier we can’t break past!
Noticing the signs
Homesickness is a medically backed problem, so understanding the problem and the signs is the first step towards methodically approaching it! Here are some ways students might be expressing their homesickness:
- Frequent crying
- Difficulty adjusting
- Trouble concentrating
- Withdrawal from Society
- Complaints about headaches
- Lack of appetite
- Frequent mood swings
And guess what? Homesickness isn’t just an emotion felt by young kids, but is very prevalent amongst people of all ages! A study published in 2023 stated that out of the 93 students, 87, i.e. 93.55% were homesick.
By addressing the challenges faced during homesickness, we are not only empowering students to face the world with better mental health but also bolstering their chances of accomplishing academic success and excellence!
Tackling Homesickness Methodically
Starting a New Journey
Before students embark on their journey at The TonsBridge School, we meticulously study each individual to gain insight into their unique backgrounds and life experiences. By understanding their past, we can better anticipate and address their needs as they transition into school life. We suggest students bring a piece of comfort from their homes: from pictures of family and friends to cosy blankets, no memory or memento is off limits!
When it comes to education, parents play an integral part in their child’s adjustment and success. Our partnership with parents has played a quintessential role in establishing us as one of the top Boarding Schools in Dehradun. Through visits, parent-teach meetings, and campus tours, we encourage parents to invest time in their children’s journey. Furthermore, our cutting-edge surveillance and monitoring system ensures that students feel supported and cared for at every step.
Establishing a Routine is the Key to Surviving and Thriving
Structure and stability are vital in alleviating mental duress among students. At The TonsBridge School, we emphasise the importance of adhering to a routine and establishing consistent schedules for essential activities such as meals, study hours, sports, extracurricular activities, and bedtime. Beyond providing a sense of organisation, well-maintained schedules serve as powerful tools for fostering responsibility, promoting accountability, and enhancing overall student morale.
Balancing extra-curricular and Academics
The Best Boarding Schools in Dehradun exemplify how students are taught to create the perfect balance between studies and activities. We firmly believe that education extends far beyond the pages of a textbook and that learning experiences transcend traditional classrooms. This belief is central to our ethos, as we painstakingly work towards boosting a student’s morale and health.
By engaging in activities, students give themselves a positive outlet and a healthy distraction from the heartbreak of homesickness. It also helps them forge meaningful connections with peers and create a new sense of community.
The sporting and extra-curricular activities offered on campus include:
- Sports such as football, cricket, chess, kickboxing, and more!
- Extracurricular activities like debates, book launches, quizzes
- Statue unveilings, annual days, sports events
These activities provide a platform for students to delve into and cultivate their leadership skills and independence. Through participating in these experiences, students gain self-reliance and actively learn to contribute to their own growth and development.
Building Community
The Best Boarding Schools in Dehradun have been revered for generations for the strong sense of community they’ve built. The TonsBridge School has borrowed from this legacy to find ways to establish close-knit bonds, lifelong relationships, and healthy boundaries so students can excel!
Students are encouraged to find peer groups and choose from various clubs and activities to overcome their homesickness by building a brand-new sense of togetherness.
Our teachers and alumni are deeply involved in the student’s progress. They can approach teachers, counsellors, and dorm advisors to help them cope with the stress of starting anew and being away from the comfort of home. Every staff member is exceptionally skilled at identifying when a child needs support, making them some of the best in Dehradun.
Learning how to Cope through mindfulness
While Western education has contributed undeniable merits to the current landscape, The TonsBridge School stands firm in its belief that Indian culture and practices are what truly create a difference. Through seamlessly blending our culture with yoga, meditation, spiritual practices, and more, we create a beautiful learning environment for students that fosters holistic development.
These activities promote mindfulness and relaxation so students can alleviate the stress of being away from home and their loved ones. Additionally, practices such as journalling and deep breathing exercises help them cultivate an internal balance and cope effectively with external pressures.
Creating a Judgement-free space to boost family-child bonding
Families are the cornerstone of a child’s success, and their involvement is deeply encouraged at The TonsBridge School. We ensure student safety through surveillance and active participation in family bonding activities. Did you know? Letter writing and journalling are extremely effective ways of helping children feel valued and safe!
About The TonsBridge School
The TonsBridge School is The Top CBSE Boarding School in Dehradun. It is situated by the glittering river and amidst the serene mountains to create the perfect educational landscape. Join us as we embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and transformation!
