Wellbeing is a core element of the Junior Cycle Framework and is central to the holistic development of all students. In Scoil Pól, we aim to contribute to student wellbeing by fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, promoting positive relationships, and encouraging active engagement in learning.

We seek to build students’ confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging, while also developing their key skills of communication, creativity, and critical thinking. Our teaching and learning approaches emphasise respect, fairness, and collaboration, helping students to feel valued and motivated. We recognise that wellbeing is not separate from learning but is deeply connected to students’ sense of purpose, achievement, and connectedness within the school community. In line with our school’s Child Protection Procedures, all staff are aware of the role of the Designated Liaison Person (DLP) and Deputy Designated Liaison Person (DDLP), and understand that any concerns regarding child protection or student welfare must be reported promptly through the appropriate channels.

Scoil Pól  is committed to the nurturing of the whole person so that individuals may be guided, with care and respect, to respond to the demands of modern life with resilience, optimism, and a feeling of ownership. Wellbeing is understood as contributing directly to students’ physical, mental, emotional, and social welfare, while ensuring they are connected, healthy, and successful. We aim to support students in developing a positive sense of themselves and to equip them with the skills to make informed decisions about their own lives and their relationships with others.

The six indicators of Wellbeing - Active, Responsible, Connected, Resilient, Respected, Aware - are embedded in our school culture. These indicators are reflected in the skills we seek to develop in our students, such as: caring for themselves and others; building positive relationships; feeling valued and listened to; knowing how to improve as learners; believing in their ability to achieve through effort; making healthy lifestyle choices; being aware of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours; and developing coping skills to meet life’s challenges.

The management and staff of our school are committed to creating positive and engaging learning experiences through a whole-school approach to wellbeing. This includes explicitly planning for wellbeing across the curriculum, aligning practice with school policies, providing a wide range of supports and activities, and offering continuous professional development for staff.

Pastoral care structures, student support team, and guidance-related learning also contribute to student wellbeing, alongside initiatives such as an annual Wellbeing Week.

Establishing a safe and supportive environment is central to our ethos. Our policies and procedures—including the Code of Behaviour, Bí Cinneálta (policy to Prevent and Address Bullying Behaviour), Child Protection Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, and others - promote positive wellbeing, enable prevention, and ensure early identification and support where needed.

Jigsaw Links and Webinars

Jigsaw Online Support

Read You're Not Alone PDF Document

WellnessSupport

Upcoming Jigsaw Parents Webinars

JigsawParentsWebinars

Register on Zom here:

Feb 12th 7.30-8.30pm - Talking to your teen 

Apr 21st 7.30-8.30pm - Supporting young people who are self-harming 

Anti-Bullying Week Resources

An initiative for Anti-Bullying week, DCU Anti-Bullying Centre, have made a guide available for parents on the below websites, entitled -

Tackle BullyingUnderstanding Bullying and Cyberbullying: A Guide on How to Support Your Child".

Click here to read or download Booklet

https://antibullyingcentre.ie/

https://tacklebullying.ie/

Wellbeing Indicators:

Wellbeing Indicators Poster

Click to enlarge and download

Wellbeing Initiatives :

  • Introduction talk for parents of 1st, 2nd, 5th – see school calendar on your app
  • Prefects
  • Meitheal Mentors 
  • Student Council
  • Amber Flag School- 2022-2024
  • Awarded the Gold Jigsaw One Good School Award
  • LGBTQ+ Safe school
  • DCU Anti Bullying FUSE programme rolled out in JC classes
  • Run End to End Challenge completed 2023-2024
  • Shona Ambassador programme
  • Marie Keating Cancer Awareness talks
  • Green Flag

Wellbeing programmes run within the timetable:

Junior Cycle

  • PE
  • SPHE (inc. RSE)
  • CSPE
  • Environmental Science
  • IT education
  • TY
  • Lifeskills Module
  • Wellbeing Module (run as an option 23/24)
  • LCA
  • Social Ed (inc. RSE)


Senior Cycle:

  • PE
  • Careers
  • Wellbeing