First Amber Flag award for An Grianán NS

An Grianán NS has celebrated the launch of its new sensory garden and outdoor classroom as well as the raising of its first Amber Flag.

The Amber Flag initiative is run by Pieta House, which recognises the individual efforts of primary and secondary schools, youth reach, third level institutions, community groups, clubs, and companies to create healthy, inclusive environments that support mental well-being. An Grianán's new sensory garden, as well as numerous well-being initiatives throughout the school, have played a significant role in the school's well-being journey.

According to Principal Ann Kearns, the sensory garden and outdoor learning centre is “an evolving centre of learning in our school giving our children the opportunity to engage in lessons in discovery learning, lessons in science, biodiversity, creativity, and sustainability.

It will give teachers and children the opportunity to enjoy lessons outside and will go on supporting well-being in our school for many years to come.”

The children of An Grianán NS were heavily involved in the development process, with Ms Kearns telling of how “the children designed the garden, the children dug the pond, the children built the willow dome and willow teepees and together they moved mountains.”

Trees on the Land, from Co Cork, provided the school with 250 free native trees and every child planted a hawthorn tree. As well as this, and as part of the Creative Schools Programme, every child painted a rock which has become part of the sensory pathway into the garden. 6th class students worked with local artist Patsy Preston to create the colourful bunting around the garden which is made out of recycled tents left over from festivals.

Ms Killian, who is the school's Amber Flag coordinator, highlighted the work done by the Amber Flag Project Team, including the school's Wellbeing Warriors, represented by pupils from each class from 1st to 6th class.

Ms Killian said: “'Our 'Wellbeing Warriors' work extremely well together to help promote positive mental health in our school.

“They are very excited about their roles and had lots of innovative ways and vibrant ideas to promote positive mental health and well-being amongst our pupils. We had many interesting ideas and it is very evident the important role student voice plays in positive mental health and well-being.”

The school's Welllbeing Warriors are Oisín Smith, 1st class, Jack Flynn, 2nd class, Orlaith Hunter, 2nd class, Grace Cleary, 3rd class, Eric Smith and Emily Keating, 4th class, Gerard Norton and Emma Buckley, 5th class, and Simeon O'Flaherty and Grace Berry, 6th class.

The sensory garden launch ceremony and the raising of the Amber Flag was a huge success, and was attended by some very special guests! Mick Foster and Tony Allen provided the music, while Westmeath senior footballers Kevin Maguire and Conor McCormack presented certificates to the school's Wellbeing Warriors.