Here at Spa National School we strive to provide a well-ordered, caring, happy and secure atmosphere where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral and cultural needs of the pupils are identified and addressed. We are very proud to have been a successful Health Promoting school for many years. All members of our school community work continuously to highlight the importance of healthy living to all of our students in the school. Central to our ethos and to the holistic development of each child, is the promotion of Wellbeing.
The World Health Organisation’s definition of Wellbeing describes its multi-dimensional nature:
“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.”
We believe that the mental health and well-being of our children is critical to success in school and life. Education about mental health and well-being is an integral part of the school curriculum. We work to provide a safe and supportive environment for building life skills and resilience and a strong sense of connectedness to school. Listening to the voice of the child and fostering healthy relationships with peers, teachers and school staff are essential to children’s positive experience of school and their cognitive and emotional development. The needs and well-being of school staff are also of paramount importance
Our school community organises a variety of activities every school year to reinforce the important lessons of Health Promotion to all members of our school community. Some of those activities are as follows!
- Anti Bullying Initiatives
- Health is wealth! Promotion Days
- Fruity Breaks at first ‘sos’
- Advice workshops on healthy lunches
- Visits from external experts (local Doctors, nurses, dentists, chiropractors)
- Participation in the Food Dudes programme
- Whole school movement and mindfulness breaks
- Friendship workshops, Donal Walsh “Live Life Day
- Food Dudes & Incredible Edibles
- Playground buddies, Ball Free Mondays
- Mindfulness & Cosmic Yoga lessons
- Wellbeing Day
- Kindness Awards
All of these activities have been organised to support students and aimed at showing them that they can take action and generate positive change in their lives.
Spa N.S. introduced its Wellbeing Strategy and School Improvement Plan (with a focus on Wellbeing) in October 2023.
