Amber Flag Update – Promoting Wellbeing in Our School

Our school has been very busy this year working towards achieving the Amber Flag, which recognises schools that promote positive mental health and wellbeing for the whole school community. So far, we have organised a number of initiatives to encourage kindness, friendship, and healthy activity among our pupils.

Kindness Tree – “Kindness is our Christmas Magic”
In the lead-up to Christmas, our pupils created a beautiful Kindness Tree as part of our Amber Flag activities. Each class added decorations describing /showing acts of kindness they had carried out in school and at home. The project reminded everyone that even small acts—such as helping a friend, sharing, or including others in games—can make a big difference to someone’s day.

We were especially proud that our tree was displayed in St. Canice's Church as part of Yulefest Kilkenny, where it was showcased during the festive celebrations. Our tree was titled “Kindness is our Christmas Magic”, highlighting the importance of kindness and compassion within our school community during the Christmas season.

Let’s Get Moving Together – Galmoy New Year Challenge

Throughout January and February, the whole school took part in the Galmoy New Year Challenge – Let’s Get Moving Together, an initiative organised by our local GAA club. Each day pupils went outside to run or walk laps of the yard or school grounds. This was a fantastic way to encourage everyone to get active, stay healthy and have fun while working together as a school community.

Friendship Week
During Friendship Week, classes took part in a variety of activities that focused on kindness, inclusion and supporting one another. Pupils discussed what it means to be a good friend, took part in teamwork activities, and explored ways to make sure everyone feels included at school. The week helped to strengthen positive relationships across all classes and encouraged pupils to look out for one another.