Abbey Community College holds wellbeing week

Abbey Community College celebrated a vibrant Wellbeing Week from October 7 to 11, with the initiative coinciding with World Mental Health Day.

It was also supported by Pieta's Amber Flag initiative. 

The week was designed to promote mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing across the school community, engaging students, staff, parents and guardians in a series of thoughtfully curated activities.

A school spokesperson told Waterford News & Star that a session titled 'Gratitude Is Our Attitude' was "heartwarming" and that the students and staff reflected on the importance of gratitude in promoting positive mental health.

"Participants were invited to share what they were thankful for, written on individual leaves, which will be displayed on our gratitude tree," she said.

"This simple yet impactful activity reminded everyone of the importance of acknowledging the good in their lives, reinforcing the notion that gratitude is a powerful tool for enhancing overall wellbeing," she added.

Anti-Vaping lessons also took place, where students learned about the health risks associated with vaping. The sessions sparked meaningful discussions about peer pressure and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

"This initiative aimed to equip our young people with knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, fostering a culture of wellbeing and safety," said the spokesperson. Autism Awareness lessons were also an integral part of the week, recognising the diverse needs of the student body with the aim of promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.

The lessons provided valuable insights into the experiences of individuals with autism, fostering empathy and inclusivity within the school community. The power of music in enhancing wellbeing was showcased through the ‘Singing for Wellbeing’ session and the lively ‘NOASIS Lunchtime Concert’. Students and staff united in song, experiencing firsthand how music can uplift spirits, foster friendships, and reduce stress. "The atmosphere was vibrant, with staff and students cheering each other on, creating a sense of community and connection," said the spokesperson.

The creative arts are well-known for enhancing wellbeing and art workshops titled, ‘Art for Stress Relief’ and ‘Mingle and Make’, provided a creative outlet for students, allowing them to express their emotions and thoughts through various artistic mediums. 

"These workshops encouraged self-discovery and provided tools for emotional expression, essential components of a balanced life," said the spokesperson.

Sessions titled ‘Wellbeing through Irish’ and “Wellbeing through French” incorporated languages into the week's activities with the school spokesperson commenting: "This not only promoted linguistic skills but also integrated discussions around mental health and wellbeing, demonstrating that language learning can be a holistic experience."

She said another engaging initiative was ‘Chat and Connect (Speed Friendship)’, where students from different year groups had the chance to meet new peers in a fun, fast-paced format.

"This activity aimed to build social connections, reinforcing the importance of relationships in mental health," she said.

Home Economics students took part in a ‘Smoothie Making Workshop’, promoting healthy eating habits  and participants not only learned about the nutritional benefits of different ingredients but also enjoyed the camaraderie that developed over shared recipes and laughter. 

"Meanwhile, our Leaving Certificate Applied students organised a ‘Coffee Morning’ for staff, offering a relaxed setting for staff to connect, unwind, and sample sweet treats, fostering a sense of community and support among colleagues," said the spokesperson.

Movement for Wellbeing activities ran throughout the week with fun physical activities aimed at promoting movement and fitness, highlighting the link between physical activity and mental wellbeing.

Every morning a member of our Student Council delivered a ‘Daily Action for Wellbeing’ on the school intercom while a ‘Drop Everything and Breathe’ initiative encouraged students and staff to pause their activities for a few moments of focused breathing and mindfulness. 

"This simple yet powerful practice provided a refreshing break in the day, helping everyone to reset and recharge," said the spokesperson.

"Our student Library Leaders also put together daily ‘Books for Wellbeing Recommendations’ to promote reading for leisure," she added.

"Together, these efforts fostered a culture of wellbeing, reminding everyone at Abbey Community College to prioritise self-care and mental wellness in their daily lives."

She said Wellbeing Week was a resounding success and left a lasting impact on the school community, commenting: "The overwhelming participation and positive feedback highlighted the collective commitment to fostering a supportive environment where wellbeing is valued. As Abbey Community College reflects on this successful week, the lessons learned and relationships built will undoubtedly continue to inspire a sustained focus on wellbeing throughout the academic year."