At St. Vincent’s N.S., Coolarne, we are proud participants in the Amber Flag Initiative, a nationwide programme by Pieta House that recognises schools that promote positive mental health and well-being. As part of our school’s culture and ethos, we are deeply committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and caring environment where every member of our community feels supported, valued, and empowered.

Our Vision:

Our Amber Flag work is driven by a shared vision: To promote positive mental health, nurture resilience, and empower our students through a range of inclusive and engaging wellbeing practices.

We believe that wellbeing is a shared responsibility. Aligned with the Wellbeing Policy and Framework for Practice (2018–2023), we aim to foster protective factors, minimise risk, and develop lifelong wellbeing skills in our students.

Whole-School Wellbeing in Action

We embed wellbeing throughout the school in many ways:

• Daily mindfulness and movement breaks
• Restorative practices for relationship-building and conflict resolution
• Circle time and social games to promote empathy and inclusion
• Joyful music, mindful art and creative expression
• Aistear and play-based learning in the infant classes
• Zones of Regulation to support emotional literacy and self-awareness
• Wellbeing Assemblies, quizzes, affirmations, and themed activities

Student Voice & Leadership

Our Student Council, newly formed in 2024, plays an important role in planning wellbeing initiatives. They lead school-wide projects, share pupil feedback, and promote inclusivity. Pupils also contribute through suggestion boxes, wellbeing walls, and gratitude trees displayed throughout the school.

Wellbeing Events & Celebrations

Throughout this school year, we hosted a range of exciting wellbeing-focused events, including:

• Wellness Wednesday (Mental Health Awareness Day) – with cozy PJ Day, guided meditation, stretching, positive affirmations, and calm creative activities.
• WAG Week (Wellbeing, Active, Green) – a week celebrating mental and physical health, nutrition, movement, and mindfulness.
• A Christmas Jumper Day Fundraiser – supporting charities like Hospice, reinforcing our message of compassion and support.
• Whole School Walks, a Nutrition Talk, and a La Glas Performance-celebrating wellbeing, culture, and community.

Our Goals for 2024/2025-This year, we are:

• Renewing our Amber Flag
• Piloting the A Lust for Life wellbeing programme in senior classes
• Promoting a Growth Mindset across all classes
• Enhancing our Wellbeing Noticeboards and outdoor learning spaces
• Hosting guest speakers and creative wellbeing days

At St. Vincent’s, we are building a culture of joy, empathy, resilience and belonging — where wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.