The Patrician Academy Wellbeing Week was held last week in the school, co-ordinated by the Student Council and under the supervision of Mr. Mac Eoin and Mrs. Glynn. It ran from Monday to Friday, and many activities were scheduled for different year groups in order to promote a healthier lifestyle. For example, every class got to partake in ‘Walk a Mile with a Smile’. Classes were taken for a walk around the town while others were taken to Mallow’s magnificent town park, while the first years had a great time in the new playground. The sun was beaming and it was a wonderful way to relieve the stress of school.
The Student Council held a Wellbeing Quiz for students in first and second year. The questions were based on biodiversity, biology, sports and nutrition The questions certainly challenged the students and many of the teachers present as well! With the winning table netting €40, it meant that competition was fierce. A tie-breaker was held in the second-year quiz where the winning table ultimately emerged victorious. We heartily congratulate the winners from the 2nd years who were Rory Kelleher, James O’Mahony and Eoin O’Keeffe.
On Wednesday, a student v teacher soccer match was held on the astroturf pitch. Participating were fifth year students Josh Harkin, Dan Ryan, Ronan O’Sullivan, Cathal Sheehan, Cian Dennehy, Kevin Kilmartin, Joe Power, Diarmuid Murphy and Fionn Roche against teachers Mr. Linehan, Mr. Coyne, Mr. Mac Eoin, Mr. O’Connor, Mr. Borthwick, Mr. Stokes, Vice Principal Holland, Miss Morrissey and Mr. O Brien. Within a few minutes of kick-off the students were winning 4-0, but the teachers came into their own as the match went on, and the final 20 minutes were neck and neck. The students pulled through in the end though, securing a 10-9 victory.
Shane O’Callaghan from 1st year was the overall winner of the Wellbeing Poster Competition, and Adam McElligott, Krystian Urbanski, Max O’Reilly and Sameer Arshad were joint second. The posters were very colourful with strong messages such as ‘Stay Active’, ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’, ‘Health is Wealth’, ‘Stay Positive’ etc. Congratulations to all involved.
Fiona Forman (M. Sc Applied Positive Psychology) gave a talk to parents on raising resilient teens and the importance of general wellbeing.
John Warren, the Youth Liason Officer with the SVDP, gave a talk to all 1st, 2nd and 4th years on the work being done by the charity and how they can also volunteer in their community.
An ice cream van was organised by Eddie Hennigan for the 6th year class. Again it was a lovely way to relieve the stress of study and to enjoy a chat amongst themselves in the sunshine.
Staff were not forgotten, they were included throughout the week and were treated to fruit and sandwiches on Friday lunchtime.
Well done to all concerned, what a hugely successful week.