We aim to:

Provide for the wellbeing for all in the school in light of the school Mission Statement and the charter of our school trust – ERST.

Our policies, procedures, culture, ethos and the activities support and develop the wellbeing of all members of St.Fintan’s High School, both within the curriculum and the wider school community.

Our school wellbeing activities are informed by Junior Cycle Wellbeing Guidelines from the Department of Education and Skills (DES), in particular Circular Letter 0015/2017 and the DES Guidelines on Wellbeing.

We offer a variety of opportunities within and beyond the classroom focused on the promotion of wellbeing.

These include:

Chess Club

Continuum of Support Model

Cultural Diversity Week

Debating

Enterprise

First Aid

Gaisce Awards

Green School Committee

Healthy Eating

Lunch Time Clubs

Outdoor learning (Outdoor Classroom)

Performance Arts

Personal Development

Prefects

Road Safety

School Band

School Choir

School Musical

SOAR Workshops

Student Council

Themed weeks (e.g. Maths Week, Science Week etc)

Wellbeing Curriculum (CSPE, SPHE and PE)

Wellbeing Wall (Pictures)

Wellbeing Week

Young Social Innovators

Through their time, work and commitment, staff also provide a broad programme of sporting activities.

These include:

Athletics

Badminton

Basketball

Frisbee

Gaelic Football

Golf

Handball

Hurling

Rugby

Soccer

Squash

Table Tennis

Tennis

Teachers also organise co-curricular outings, visits and tours e.g. – Skiing for TY students, trips to Theatre and Drama, History, Geography and Science trips as well as

overseas tours.

These activities serve to broaden the educational engagement and sense of belonging

central to a sense of students’ wellbeing at school.

• Year Heads

• Class Tutors

• Teachers

• Additional Educational Needs Team

• Special Needs Assistants

• Guidance Counselling Supports

• Student Mentorship Programme

• Student Prefects

• Student Council

• Partnerships with Parents and the Wider Community: Parents Council

• The Student Support Team

This 30-minute interactive webinar will:

• support parents to encourage and promote positive mental health and wellbeing in their children.

• discuss ways of building and nurturing resilience in children and young people.

• examine tools for supporting positive mental health among this age cohort.

• outline practical tips on how best support their child’s mental health and wellbeing.

The lecture series is open to those who want to learn more about common illnesses and health-related topics directly from healthcare experts.

A positive mindset can help us handle tough times. It can build resilience and improve relationships, which can lead us to feel happier.

Simple ways to bring more positivity into your daily life.

1 - Focus on what you can control 

When things feel uncertain or stressful, we might often worry about things that are outside of our control. Try focusing on what you can do. By choosing how you respond and how you approach situations, you can feel more empowered and find some calm even when everything else is a bit chaotic. 

2 - Reframe negative thoughts

Negative thoughts can sneak up on you when you least expect them. When that happens, try flipping the script. Instead of giving attention to unhelpful thoughts such as ‘I can’t do this’ try replacing them with helpful ones "this is tough, but I’m learning." This simple shift can turn challenges into chances to grow. 

3 - Surround yourself with positivity

The people we hang out with and the places we spend time in really affect our mindset. Try to be around people who lift your spirits/bring you positive energy and look for spaces—online or in real life—that make you feel good. This will help you keep that positive self-talk going strong.  

4 - Celebrate small wins 

Every little step forward is worth celebrating, no matter how small. Take a moment to notice your progress and enjoy those small wins. This will lift your spirits and help you keep the momentum going, making it easier to stay motivated and positive. 

5 - Practice self-compassion 

We all make mistakes or have days when things don’t go as planned. Instead of being hard on yourself, practice self-compassion. Talk to yourself like you would to a friend—with kindness and understanding. Everyone has off days, and that’s okay. 

Here are some tips to help you manage your busy schedule:

Effective Time Management

• Create a Schedule: Plan your day, week, and month to allocate specific time slots for work, study, and personal activities.

• Prioritise Tasks: Identify important tasks and prioritise them based on deadlines and importance.

• Break Down Large Tasks: Divide large tasks into smaller, manageable subtasks.

• Time Management Techniques: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to improve focus and productivity.

Healthy Work-Life Balance

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time.

• Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge.

• Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness techniques like meditation or yoga to reduce stress.

• Stay Organised: Use tools like calendars and planners to keep track of deadlines and commitments.

• Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a counselor if needed.

Tips for Staying Motivated

• Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Reward Yourself: Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.

• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive mindset and focus on your progress.

• Find a Study Buddy: Collaborate with classmates to stay motivated and accountable.

Remember, it's important to listen to your body and mind. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a step back, reassess your priorities, and seek help if needed. By implementing these tips, you can effectively balance your commitments while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

With the right strategies and techniques, you can make studying more efficient and enjoyable. Here's how to Master the Art of Studying.

Effective Study Techniques:

1. Active Recall: Instead of passively rereading your notes, quiz yourself or explain the material to someone else. This forces your brain to actively retrieve information, strengthening your memory.

2. Spaced Repetition: Don't cram! Review your material at spaced intervals to reinforce your learning and prevent forgetting. Use flashcards or a spaced repetition app to help you with this.

3. Pomodoro Technique: Break your study sessions into focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. This helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.

4. Mind Mapping: Visualise your knowledge by creating mind maps. This can help you see connections between different concepts and improve understanding.

5. Teach Someone Else: Explaining a topic to someone else can solidify your understanding and identify any gaps in your knowledge.

Time Management Strategies:

1. Prioritise Tasks: Use a to-do list or a planner to prioritise your tasks based on importance and deadlines.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Break down large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This can make them seem less daunting and help you stay motivated.

3. Avoid Distractions: Find a quiet study environment and minimise distractions from your phone, social media, or other interruptions.

4. Take Breaks: Short breaks can help you stay focused and refreshed. Go for a walk, listen to music, or do something relaxing.

5. Reward Yourself: Celebrate your accomplishments with small rewards to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset.

Remember, everyone learns differently.

Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. By incorporating these tips into your study routine, you can improve your focus, efficiency, and overall academic performance.

Thank you to Shine.ie for providing green ribbons for our students and teachers.