
Forty students and their teachers from St. Patrick’s Secondary School left town before dawn on the occasion of the recent Pieta House Darkness into Light 5k in Killarney.
This event was a wonderful conclusion to the year-long campaign by the students in promoting Positive Mental Health throughout the school.
In the course of the year they also created a very strong awareness among the whole school community about the importance of positive mental health.
It’s OK-Not-To-Be-OK
By their actions they sent out a clear message that it’s ok not to be ok and how important it is to talk.
“The ultimate accolade for the students would be the awarding of the Amber Flag in recognition for their work in promoting positive mental health and well-being in the school.
“The students with the assistance of their teacher Ms. Collins held a number of events during the school year to raise awareness and maintain an excellent Positive Mental Health notice board,” said Principal, Denis O’Donovan.

Positive Mental Health
“This provided a constant reminder to the whole school community about the many issues relating to Positive Mental Health. The school will be presented with the Amber Flag before the end of the summer holidays and it will be flown outside the school.
“The flying of the flag will also provide a strong reminder that St. Patrick’s Secondary School promotes Positive Mental Health and Well-being among the whole school community.
“The Darkness into Light 5k was a wonderful experience for the students and one they will always remember and one has to be impressed by their willingness and enthusiasm to take part. Well done to all involved,” Mr. O’Donovan concluded.