A new school year has begun at Campus Vejle, and this week our new students were welcomed with an activity designed to bring their classes together from the very beginning.

Each class was challenged to decorate the door to their classroom as part of a friendly competition. Working together on their designs gave students an opportunity to get to know their new classmates, collaborate, and put their own mark on the classroom that will be their shared space during the coming year.

While the activity was fun and creative, it also reflects an important principle at the heart of the Engaging Minds project: a sense of belonging matters.

Our research has identified belonging and school connectedness as important protective factors for student engagement and retention. Students who feel connected to their peers, teachers, and wider school community are more likely to participate in school life and remain engaged when they encounter challenges.

Creating that sense of connection can start with something very simple. Activities that encourage new students to interact, cooperate, and create shared experiences can help establish positive relationships and make students feel that they are part of their new school community.

At Campus Vejle, the decorated doors are now a colourful reminder that building engagement begins from day one.