Wellbeing Week 2022

The students and staff of St Paul’s marked Wellbeing Week from 29th March until 1st April by participating in a number of initiatives. The aim of the week was to promote the six wellbeing indicators: Active, Aware, Connected, Responsible, Respected and Resilient.
On Tuesday The Home Economics Department, along with LCA students, prepared complimentary smoothies for all students to encourage students to be responsible and make healthy eating choices. Thanks to Supervalu Monasterevin who kindly donated the ingredients and Ms J. Behan and her LCA students who had a busy morning.
In Form Group we focused on the indicator Connected and students had a bit of fun getting to know their classmates by participating in a game of Bingo, students had to match up their bingo cards to students in their class. Students enjoyed the competitive spirit and were eager to win themselves a treat.
The Headstrong Committee, consisting of five 5th year students (Sophia Irwin, Katie Harrison, Jamie Martin, Aishling Moreas, Alannah O’Connell) and Ms Murray, worked extremely hard preparing and delivering workshops to Junior students on the theme of Kindness. This peer-to-peer education was highly effective and the students in First and Second Year engaged very well with the Senior students facilitating the talks.
The focus on the indicator Aware gave students the opportunity to reflect on how their actions and words can have a positive impact on others.
Flahavans kindly sponsored our Wellbeing Week and sent us lots of healthy breakfast options. Students enjoyed flapjacks as part of the Breakfast Club and teachers were delighted to receive some complimentary products.
On Wednesday, 5th Year students took part in a Yoga session with Ms Hogan, who is a qualified Yoga Instructor. The students enjoyed taking a time out and getting a chance to switch off and unwind. Thank you to Ms Hogan for giving up her time.
In the afternoon students and staff were encouraged to Drop Everything and Breath for 5 minutes. This provided everyone with the opportunity to take a moment out of their busy schedules for some mindfulness.
During the lunch break McGreals had a pop up pharmacy in the staffroom. Rachel and Anne were on hand to provide advice to staff on vitamins and supplements. Staff were also able to get their blood pressure checked and it was a reminder to us all that we need to look after our own wellbeing. McGreals and Trilogy Skincare also donated a hamper of products. Staff paid €2 to enter the draw and the proceeds were added to our Ukraine Appeal Fundraiser. Well done to the lucky winner Ms O’Donovan.
On Thursday Carol Scott from Breast Cancer Ireland visited the school. She gave a number of talks to our 5th and 6th year girls and boys. The workshop was very informative and provided the opportunity for each student to do a breast check on the mannequin. All students were given a shower card outlining the steps to follow when doing a breast check. Carol was delighted with the engagement from all our students and with all the questions she received. During the lunch break teachers also got the opportunity to participate in the workshop. We look forward to welcoming Carol back to our school again in the future.
On Friday a fundraiser was held for the Ukraine Appeal. Students focused on the indicator Active and took part in a 3Km Run/Walk along the canal. We were lucky to have a lovely sunny day to get some fresh air to mark the end of wellbeing week.
Congratulations to the winners; 1st Place- Max Treacy (3A4), 2nd Place- Luke Gill (3A2), 3rd Place- Daniel Hudson (2A4). Jennifer Allison (1A1) was the first girl across the finish line. Well done to all the participants and thanks to the PE Department for coordinating the event, Mr O’Neill and The Parent Council volunteers and all the teachers who acted as stewards. A huge thank you to Supervalu Monasterevin who generously donated 500 bottles of water for the event.
The week would not have been possible without the involvement of our sponsors. Thanks to all the businesses and organisations for their support.




