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Summary of St. Mary’s Wellbeing Policy

Guided by the ethos and core values of Happiness, Hospitality, Harmony of Voice, and Hope for the Future, the Wellbeing Policy at St. Mary’s Secondary School is rooted in the spirit of Mary Aikenhead and the Gospel Values of compassion, inclusion, and service to others. Our holistic approach ensures that every student thrives academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually in a caring and inclusive environment.

1. Promoting Happiness through a Supportive School Culture

We foster a school environment where happiness and positivity are central to student life. Through student voice initiatives, extracurricular activities, and wellbeing events, we encourage personal growth, friendships, and a love for learning. Our approach ensures that every student feels valued, confident, and supported in their journey.

2. Hospitality: A Community of Inclusion and Care

Inspired by the values of Mary Aikenhead, we are committed to hospitality and kindness by ensuring that all students, regardless of background, ability, or identity, experience a school culture of welcome, respect, and support. Our Student Council, Buddy Programme, and Wellbeing Team work together to build a community where every individual feels seen and included.

3. Harmony of Voice: Empowering Student Voice and Leadership

We believe in harmony of voice, where students are encouraged to express themselves and take an active role in shaping their school experience. Through leadership opportunities, Student Council, Stand Up Awareness Week, and Creative Schools initiatives, we empower students to share their perspectives, advocate for change, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

4. Hope for the Future: Academic, Emotional, and Spiritual Growth

Our Wellbeing Policy supports students in developing the resilience, confidence, and skills needed to embrace their futures with hope and determination. By integrating guidance support, mental health initiatives, and spiritual reflection opportunities, we prepare students not only for academic success but also for lifelong personal fulfilment and service to others.

5. Living the Gospel Values through Service and Wellbeing Initiatives

As a school inspired by the Gospel Values and the legacy of Mary Aikenhead, we promote justice, kindness, and service through initiatives such as the Mary Aikenhead Celebration of Kindness, TAG Rugby Fundraiser, and community outreach projects. These experiences encourage students to live with compassion, act with integrity, and contribute positively to their school and wider community.

At St. Mary’s, Wellbeing is not just a policy, it is a lived experience that shapes our school community, ensuring that every student is nurtured, empowered, and prepared for a bright future filled with purpose and possibility.

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Wellbeing Policy - Signed by BOM 28.11.24

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Wellbeing and the Catholic School explores the holistic concept of wellbeing as embraced by Catholic primary and post-primary schools. Rooted in the belief that human flourishing integrates physica…

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Post Primary Blog | Education Secretariat

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Schools are a vital support to parents/guardians and families in the faith formation of children. This section – divided in to the various categories below- gives practical suggestions and advice on how this might be most effectively done. [ezcol_1quarter] Pre-School [/ezcol_1quarter][ezcol_1quarter] Primary School [/ezcol_1quarter][ezcol_1quarter] Post-Primary School [/ezcol_1quarter][ezcol_1quarter_end] Third Level Education [/ezcol_1quarter_end]

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The Catalogue of Wellbeing Resources provides a non-exhaustive list of documents and resources that are provided by the Department of Education (DE), its agencies, support services, other Government Departments and their agencies and by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to assist the promotion of wellbeing across school communities. This resource can be used alongside the Directory of Teacher Professional Learning (TPL) which lists relevant TPL to support the wellbeing of all in the school communities.

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Wellbeing resources for Post Primary Schools

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Wellbeing resources for Post Primary Schools

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Position Papers From time to time, in conjunction with personnel from our schools, the Edmund Rice Schools Trust formulates position papers on issues of interest or concern in our schools. Position Paper on Religious Education in Edmund Rice Schools ERST- Position Paper on RE 2. Position... Read more »

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St Patrick’s Primary School Bray Establishment of the Loreto Education Trust Both Mary Ward and Teresa Ball responded to the needs of their time by establishing schools and using the work of education to spread the message of the Gospel. These schools flourished and, by the middle of the 20th…

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CEIST | Catholic Education | An Irish Schools Trust

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Ceist | Catholic Education | An Irish School's Trust

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CEIST (Catholic Education An Irish Schools' Trust) is the Trustee body for 107 Voluntary Catholic Secondary Schools in Ireland.

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Oide - Supporting the Professional Learning of School Leaders and Teachers in Ireland

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Supporting the Professional Learning of School Leaders and Teachers in Ireland

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Understanding and Living the Ethos in a Catholic Primary School Understanding and Living the Ethos in a Catholic Primary School Booklet Note: This document was created by the Catholic Schools Partn…

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The Iona Institute:

A new document from the Joint Managerial Body gives guidance to Catholic secondary schools on how to show respect for children from diverse backgrounds while at the same time abiding by the schools' own religious ethos.

Joint Managerial Body (JMB), representing almost 400 Catholic second-level schools, to reflect the growing religious and cultural diversity in schools.

At the same time, they stress that "it should always be made clear to parents that students will be experiencing the values and ethos of the school in the day-to-day running of the school, not just in RE class". Read article

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Catholic school guidelines show how to be inclusive and respect school's ethos

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The Iona Institute: A new document from the Joint Managerial Body gives guidance to Catholic secondary schools on how to show respect for children from diverse backgrounds while at the same time abiding by the schools' own religious ethos. Joint Managerial Body (JMB), representing almost 400 Catholic second-level schools, to reflect the growing religious and cultural diversity in schools.

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Catholic Wellbeing Pack for Voluntary Secondary School Principals

Aim:

The Catholic Wellbeing Pack is designed to support Principals in upholding and promoting the Catholic ethos within their schools. It provides a set of practical resources that can be used to foster spiritual reflection, offer pastoral care, and integrate Catholic values into the daily life of the school community.

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Wellbeing Modules 2024 - 2025 Mercy Ballymahon

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Wellbeing Introduction 2021 Mercy Ballymahon