All at Presentation Castleisland celebrated another of their fantastic well-being weeks recently.
“The well-being weeks always spark positivity in abundance, and everyone enjoyed a week jam packed with events that boosted everyone’s spirits,” said teacher Annette Leen.
“The range of activities for the week left everyone feeling refreshed and ready for the final month of school ahead.
“Each day of the week had a different theme, starting with Monday being ‘Keep Moving Monday’, the idea being that we need to keep moving in order to feel well.
Impact on Mental Health
“Regular exercise can have a profound, positive impact on our mental health. It relieves stress, improves memory, helps us sleep better, and boosts our overall mood. In order to encourage exercise the third year students embarked on a long walk in Glanageenty where the sun shone brightly for the whole day,” Ms. Leen continued.
“While third years walked and bonded, the fifth and sixth years took on a new challenge of self defense classes, where they got active learning lots of new moves.
Great Start to the Week
“Self defense involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm. Both these activities were a great start to the week. On Tuesday morning the students were introduced to Mairéad Moriarty, well-being life and meditation coach.
She met with third years for a two hour workshop. Students worked on their belief system and how it impacts their mind, body and spirit.
Return of Linda and Zumba
“In the afternoon we welcomed back for another year Linda Flanagan, a Zumba dance instructor who taught the students Zumba in St. Johns Hall. Dance can lift the mood and ease anxiety, along with helping to build social skills and increase self-esteem.
“There was great excitement and energy generated from the Zumba session and everyone enjoyed it immensely.
“Every morning during well-being week students and teachers took part in meditations and grounding exercises at 9am which were featured on the Presentation Well-being Padlet.
All Leading to Feel Good Friday
“Wednesday and Thursday saw plenty more activity with the final day Feel Good Friday being the main highlight of the week. Throughout the week students and teachers took part in a ‘Free Throw’ basketball competition with the final then taking place on Friday. The courtyard was buzzing with the excitement and anticipation of the end result with our TY student Clodagh Coffey winning the overall competition. It added a real fun element to the week and everyone looked forward to it each day.
The Grand Finale
“For the grand finale of our week, in the afternoon, teachers and students did another dance challenge in the school yard, this one was called the Clap Snap dance challenge.
“The sun shone and the atmosphere again was electric. It was a wonderful finish to a productive and very enjoyable week where all our well-being needs were well and truly met,” said Ms. Leen in conclusion.
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