Fitness, glam and furry friends at the centre of well-being week at Wexford school
Those in attendance that week, experienced a programme of fun, relaxation and personal growth, carefully co-ordinated by teachers Ms Whelan and Mr Curran, which was enthusiastically embraced by all. 'At CBS New Ross, we believe that academic success goes hand-in-hand with physical and mental well-being. This special week allowed us to highlight the importance of self-care practices and provide students with tools they can use throughout their lives,' a spokesperson for the school said.
To kick the week off, the school community was greeted by furry friends with an animal therapy session in the form of a petting zoo visit from Nore Valley, which brought a variety of friendly animals to the school grounds. The smiles and laughter that filled the area were testament to how effective animal interactions can be in reducing stress and increasing happiness.
Tuesday's event included a session to get the students moving with a Zumba dance class, and according to Ms Whelan, 'they were a huge hit'. The session was led by professional instructors, and the high-energy dance sessions got hearts pumping and endorphins flowing. 'It was wonderful to see students of all abilities joining in and enjoying the experience,' she said.
Wednesday's hair and makeup workshops explored self-expression through personal style and the workshops continued the trend of being extremely popular among students. Professional stylists were welcomed to the school and shared tips and techniques while discussing how outward appearance can reflect and boost inner confidence. Many students discovered new talents and interests during these sessions.
The following day, students were captivated by guest speaker, David Power, the former manager for Tipperary Gaelic football team, as he delivered a talk on building resilience. Mr Power shared valuable insights on developing mental toughness, coping with challenges, and bouncing back from setbacks.
"The question and answer sessions that followed, demonstrated just how engaged our students were with these important topics and how they can relate to them in their own lives,' said Ms Whelan.
When the session concluded, a bouncy castle obstacle course awaited the students for a 'fun and fitness session'. The competitive streak was strong among the students as they challenged themselves and each other to complete the inflatable obstacle course, while combining physical exercise with plenty of laughter.
Thursday's events didn't end there, as the Transition Year (TY) students showcased their mini-company products at the Well-being Week market, and a wide variety of fantastic products were on sale, while later, TY student, Roan English, took on the role of fitness instructor.
Roan was leading English classes with 40 students at a time, in a challenging but fun workout. They took to the yard outside to get the best of the good weather while working out. 'Roan really rose to the occasion in leading his fellow peers in this exciting workout. Roan is a rugby star and definitely one to watch for the future,' Ms Whelan commented.
To round-off Well-being Week, students and staff enjoyed a whole school walk, embracing the outdoors and the benefits of physical activity together. Adding to the excitement, it was also bring your dog to school day, where several teachers introduced their furry companions to the school community. Ms Whelan explained the impact of the activity on the students.
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'The dogs brought smiles, sparked conversations, and created a warm, joyful atmosphere, highlighting the positive impact animals can have on mental well-being. It was a memorable end to a week dedicated to health, happiness, and connection.'
In highlighting the importance of Well-being Week in the school community, Ms Whelan said 'it wasn't just about taking care of ourselves, it was also about supporting others,' as charity activities also took place for the Irish Cancer Society.
'Students enthusiastically participated in our Splash the Teachers event, where they had the opportunity to soak their favourite teachers with water balloons and buckets. The laughter was contagious, and teachers were great sports for this worthy cause,' she continued, adding that the event raised over €500 for cancer research and support services.
Given the overwhelmingly positive response to Well-being Week, the teachers have confirmed they are already planning similar events for next year's events.
"The valuable lessons learned about self-care and mental health will continue to be incorporated into our school culture, and we would like to thank everyone who participated in the week including our external providers, staff volunteers, and the student well-being ambassadors who supported tirelessly,' Ms Whelan concluded.
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