‘Wellbeing Week A Winner in Beating the January Blues in MCS!’
MCS celebrated our ‘Beat the January Blues’ Wellbeing Week last week in our school. An array of activities and events were held during the week with the clear aim of promoting a positive wellbeing message to the student body. Our many events included:
- Morning Yoga & Pilates
- HumourFit Drama Performances in Tuar Ard
- Speakers from Bodywhys, HSE, Foroige & the inspiring Jack Kavanagh on the issue of resilience
- Open Mic & Karaoke Events
- Feel Good Morning Music
- A Drink Aware Information Evening for Parents
At lunchtimes we hosted:
- Silent Discos
- Make-up Sessions & Hair Styling demos
- Sports Activities in the Gym
- Sound Engineering Workshops
- Music in our Choir Room
- Meditation
- Complimentary granola, yogurt and fruit pots served in the Canteen
The Foroige workshop called ‘Be Healthy Be Happy’ took place for junior students to kick start the week. The Foroige workshop was facilitated by MCS past pupil, Gary Nugent. Gary specialises in the area of Mental Health. One of Gary’s key aims is to ensure that everyone has a grown adult that they can talk to. This talk opened the students minds and made them more aware of how important mental health is.
Michael O’Sullivan (Humourfit) performed a series of plays for a selection of year groups. The performances consisted of mental health, anti-bullying and alcohol abuse related themes. Characters were brought to life to raise awareness of these real-life situations. This was a hard-hitting, funny and students commented that the day overall “make ya think”!
Ms. Catherine Marsh from the local HSE SATU addressed the senior students last Wednesday. This talk focussed on features of safety on a night out, as well as issues of sexual health, and where to go and what to do, in the case of an emergency situation.
On Wednesday evening Ms. Martha Sweeney from ‘Drink Aware’ conducted a talk in the school for the local community around ‘how to talk to your child about alcohol’. The interactive workshop provided parents with facts about underage drinking habits and current trends in Ireland, as well as the HSE recommended low-risk weekly guidelines on alcohol consumption.
A Bodywhys workshop delivered by Ms. Shauna McGroarty placed emphasis on positive body image. Shauna emphasised to the pupils’ the fact that social media and body image portrayed through the media in general is not real. Some facts about eating disorders and recovery were provided and students were given the opportunity to engage and ask questions.
The week finished on a high with a truly ‘Feel Good Friday’ with Special Guest Jack Kavanagh who formerly appeared on last season’s Tommy Tiernan Show and various TED Talks. Jack shared his story about a life-changing accident which left him paralysed. However, Jack brought true heroism to the story in showing his determination and resilience in his recovery journey. Life advice and motivation were offered to the senior students before they embark on their own life journey after school. Jack’s infectious ‘can do’ attitude left the school body feeling grateful and determined to make the most of what we have.
Thank you to everyone who made MCS Wellbeing Week 2023 such a success: from the staff who volunteered their expertise, to the wonderful professionals from various organisations and special guests who enriched the lives of our students in no little way, helping our school community to ‘Beat the January Blues’.
Jack Kavanagh pictured with Rebecca Houston
Sinead Neilan (teacher), Jack Kavanagh and Tom Lowry (Principal)
Silent Disco
