Mahjong for Wellbeing: A Mindful Introduction for Ysgol Friars Staff!

To mark Teachers’ Health and Wellbeing Week, staff at Ysgol Friars were treated to something a little different—a peaceful hour of play, conversation, and cultural discovery through the traditional Chinese game of Mahjong.

None of the participants had played before, but that did not matter. With the gentle guidance of Qiyue Zhang, the room soon filled with curiosity, laughter and shared concentration as everyone learned the basics together.

What made the session special was not just the game itself, but the stories behind the tiles—each one holding a piece of Chinese history and symbolism. As hands moved across the table and tiles clicked into place, staff found themselves immersed in something far removed from the usual school day.

It was a chance to pause, connect with colleagues in a new way, and enjoy the calm focus that comes from learning something unfamiliar. A perfect reminder of what Wellbeing Week is all about—stepping back, trying something new, and looking after ourselves and one another.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined in and helped make the afternoon so memorable.