KILFLYNN PUPILS LIE BACK FOR HEALTH

DEVELOPING a holistic and healthy approach for pupils is the goal of Scoil Treasa Naofa in Kilflynn where the school’s 154 pupils are currently part icipating in well-being initiatives under the ‘Health Promotion’ and ‘Amber Flag’ strategies.

The co-educational ethos of the school is based on supporting the development of each child through a combination of health techniques.

The ‘Health Promotion’ and ‘Amber flag’ conjoins the benefits of nutrition, exercise, positive mental health and inclusivity.

Principal of Scoil Treasa Naofa, Íde Brosnan said she is overwhelmed by the amazing work at the school, where in the first term alone the pupils have taken part in a ‘Healthy Hearts; Healthy Heads’ workshop with Play Therapist, Edel Lawlor.

Edel worked with pupils throughout the school day, while in the evening she held a workshop for parents.

Ida asserts that Scoil Treasa Naofa believe in a holistic and interactive approach to education.

This helps create a balanced mind, body and spirit. All the initiatives introduced in 2018 have promoted and encouraged positive mental well-being among pupils, which is of huge importance in the often chaotic world that pupils live in.

“The positive impact of these initiatives are very evident in all the classrooms,” said Ida.

“The new initiatives could not have been implemented without the input of our brilliant staff, pupils and parents.

“We are very proud to say that mental health and well-being is now an integral part of our school and in doing so we hope to build a better future for our pupils.”

The school’s fifth and sixth classes are currently participating in well-being workshops with Heidi Giles.

These workshops promote the benefits of using mindfulness in our everyday lives, and have been welcomed by all pupils. Starting in December the school will begin its ‘Happiness Homework’ initiative. This means rather than the usual homework, children will be sent home with the task of doing something nice for someone else.

Scoil Treasa Naofa believe the process of learning is one that is enhanced by physical activity and is all the more important in an age dominated by computer games and social media.

Principal Ida Brosnan added that children have become less active in recent years and to combat this the school is currently engaging in the ‘Daily Mile’ challenge where outside of the pupils’ allocated P.E lessons, they take a fifteen minute walk or run.

Pupils of Kilflynn National School on their backs in one of the many health-promotion activities ongoing at present.