Buddy Bench boost for McAuley pupils
A BUDDY BENCH has pride of place in Catherine McAuley Junior School, having been kindly built and donated by New Ross Men’s Shed.
In February, when the children in Catherine McAuley Junior School celebrated Friendship Week they were delighted to hear that the Men’s Shed were making a Buddy Bench for them and were thrilled to see the bench being formally handed over by Ger Roche and Sonny Sinnott on Thursday.
Ms Gladney painted the bench a lovely sunny yellow and the children in Ms Aspel’s class decorated it.
Principal Elma Sutton said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Mr Moran and his team from Bunscoil Rís who also got a Buddy Bench. The boys and girls moving up to Bunscoil Rís in September will have a Buddy Bench to help them if they feel a bit lonely. The bench is a reminder to all of us to be our “kinder selves”. Children are encouraged to be aware of their own feelings and the feelings of others and to extend the hand of friendship to each other, by joining a child on the bench, as a friend.’ She thanked New Ross Men’s Shed and everyone involved in painting and decorating it.
Buddy Bench Ireland is a school based initiative that promotes well-being and positive mental health for pupils as part of the Health Promoting Schools Initiative.