A Special Visit from Toby Garbett

His visit left a lasting impact, not only on the children but also on us teachers.  

Toby shared his inspiring life story, detailing the challenges he faced at school and how he overcame them to achieve his dreams of becoming a world champion. His journey from struggle to success was a powerful reminder that persistence, focus, and mental strength are essential to achieving great things.  

A key part of his talk was about the importance of mental health, which resonated with us all. Toby introduced us to some valuable tools to manage stress and stay grounded, including the ‘Calm Down with Take 5 Breathing’ technique. This simple yet effective breathing exercise helps calm the mind and bring clarity in moments of tension. We also took the time to write our own affirmations—positive, personal statements that can help to shape our mindset and build self-confidence.  

Toby concluded by highlighting some key aspects of well-being that are within our control—what he calls "controlling the controllables." We discussed the importance of making good choices around hydration, diet, sleep, exercise, attitude, and surrounding ourselves with positive people. These are simple actions we can take each day to set ourselves up for success, both in the classroom and in life.  

We are grateful to Toby for taking the time to speak with us and for the positive message he shared. It was a truly inspirational session, and the children walked away with tools and insights they can carry with them on their own journeys. We look forward to continuing to build on these lessons in future Junior Duke sessions!  

Mrs Fletcher & Mrs Pettifer