Student wellbeing is at the centre of everything that goes on in St. Patrick’s National School. If children don’t feel well, they cannot learn and thrive properly.

The Wellbeing Policy Statement and Framework for Practice 2018-2023 states that wellbeing is present when a person realises their potential, is resilient in dealing with the normal stresses of their life, takes care of their physical wellbeing and has a sense of purpose, connection and belonging to a wider community. It is a fluid way of being and needs nurturing throughout life.

Our school has a current draft Wellbeing Framework Policy Statement and Framework for Practice in place and we have consulted with our students in creating it. We take a whole school preventative approach to student wellbeing and our starting point is safety, security and routines for each child. We also develop social and emotional competence and coping skills for every child through the curriculum and additional activities.

St. Patrick’s NationalSchool also has a wellbeing committee in the school, made up of students indifferent classes. They co-ordinate a number of initiatives, including student shout outs each week.

‍

In the 2025-2026 school year, the wellbeing team wanted to find out more about what the children know about the school's Bí Cineálta Policy. They came up with some questions for the survey that would help them figure out what the pupils knew and didn't know.

Next, they used the school Ipads to collect the survey information quickly and efficiently. They had a discussion about the results and have now made some decisions about ways in which they can help students understand the policy a little better.

They then presented the information to the whole school at assembly this week. Well done!

At a recent assembly. our Wellbeing team talked to the school about how to deal with other people when something goes wrong between you. They also explained how important a bystander or upstander is. You can see some of their presentation below.

Pupils also announced all of the student shoutout winners for February.  Student shout out is where pupils nominate other pupils who have been kind to them during the month. Winners are picked at random each Friday. We love to see kindness celebrated in the school.

‍