An official launch of the Amber Flag initiative for An Grianán National School took place in Corpus Christi Church, Mount Temple, in recent times.
Hosted by Pieta House, the Amber Flag initiative recognises the efforts of primary and secondary schools, third level institutions, youthreach, community groups, clubs and companies to create healthy, inclusive environments that support wellbeing.
Captain Thomas Kelly and the Band 2 Brigade Army Band were in attendance at the ceremony and their presence was described as “fitting” by staff member and SPHE co-ordinator , Ms Dolores Killian, who addressed those present at the official Amber Flag initiative launch.
“It is most fitting that the Army Band are with us to help launch this wonderful initiative as one of our key objectives for our pupils is to promote wellbeing through music. I am certain that as you perform, our pupils will be inspired by your gifts and talents in music. We are grateful that you could take time out of your busy schedule to be here with us this morning,” Ms Killian stated.
In recent years, former Ministers Jan O’Sullivan and Kathleen Lynch launched the initiative ‘Wellbeing in Primary Schools - Guidelines for Mental Health Promotion’. This joint collaboration between the Department of Education and Skills and the HSE aims to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in primary schools. These guidelines note that positive mental health and wellbeing enables young people to lead fulfilling lives and is vitally important to their holistic development.
“Successful completion of the Amber Flag initiative involves the whole school community uniting to create a safe, positive and healthy attitude towards our general physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“We have an Amber Flag project team comprising a cross-section of our school community including both staff and pupils, our ‘Wellbeing Warriors’. These are represented by pupils from first to sixth class. Our ‘Wellbeing Warriors’ work together to help promote positive mental health in our school. They are very excited about their roles and have many innovative ideas to promote positive mental health and wellbeing amongst our pupils.
“The Amber Flag Project Team promotes positive mental health in the school through the organisation of a number of initiatives. We have adopted a whole school approach and each month we are focusing on a different aspect of wellbeing. This month, for example, we are focusing on growth mindset.
“Our aim is to implement the Wellbeing in Schools Everyday Programme (WISE ), its core objectives being to create Amber Flag notice boards and displays in the school, promoting positive mental health strategies; to hold a fundraising event for Pieta House and a Wellbeing Week to promote positive mental health in our school; to promote wellbeing and raise awareness of mental health strategies through the creative arts; to promote staff wellbeing, dignity in the workplace and in the wider school community. and to explore wellbeing through picture books, novels and circle time.
“In order to achieve the Amber Flag we are required to submit evidence of pupils engaging in wellbeing activities both in school and at home.
“Our mental health and wellbeing week will commence on International Happiness Day on Monday, March 20 and will run until Friday, March 24 2023. We will host a fundraising event for Pieta House during this particular week in our school and will be documenting all our hard work on our school’s website as the academic year progresses.
“I am confident with the whole school community working collaboratively that we will achieve our goal of raising the Amber Flag at An Grianán National School next summer,” Ms Killian concluded.
