Wellbeing Supports Pilot Programme at St Gabriel’s National School – Wellbeing Ambassadors Programme

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St Gabriel’s National School is pleased to be participating in a pilot initiative led by the Department of Education and Youth, providing additional wellbeing supports in selected primary schools.

As part of this pilot, an Education Wellbeing Practitioner, working under the direction and supervision of a psychologist from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), is supporting our school community. The practitioner has completed the Wellbeing Ambassadors Programme, which is being implemented with our 6th Class pupils.

All 6th Class pupils will act as Wellbeing Ambassadors, promoting kindness, inclusion, and positive wellbeing during yard time.

Their role includes:

  • Buddy Bench: A space for pupils who may be feeling lonely, upset, or who would like someone to talk to, supported by Wellbeing Ambassadors.
  • “Well Done” Cards: Cards given out during yard time to recognise and encourage kind and positive behaviour.
  • Games Corner: A games area at the benches beside the moderate class to support inclusive play and social interaction.

Posters displayed during yard time highlight the Buddy Bench and Games Corner.

A Wellbeing Ambassador display is located at the front entrance of the school, and ambassadors wear lanyards during yard time so they are easily identifiable and approachable.

This initiative helps develop leadership, empathy, and resilience while fostering a caring and inclusive school environment.

Quavers to Quadratics in 4th Class

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Today, Mr Smyth’s 4th Class welcomed a scientist and a musician from the National Concert Hall for a “Quavers to Quadratics” workshop where they learned about the relationship between music, sound and science. Check out some of the photos below.

A Busy January in 6th Class!

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We’ve had a very busy and exciting few weeks since the new year!

6th Class Clay

Our 6th class students have been getting hands-on in art, working with clay to create imaginative sea creature sculptures. They explored a range of clay techniques, including crosshatching and texturing, to add detail and bring their underwater creations to life. The results show great creativity, skill, and enthusiasm, with each sculpture reflecting the students’ growing confidence and artistic expression

6th Class Data Representations

At the start of this month, the children had great fun carrying out surveys around the school to collect different types of data, including categorical and numerical information. They worked together to analyse their results and created a variety of colourful graphs such as bar charts, histograms, and pie charts. It was a really positive, hands-on activity that built confidence, teamwork, and a better understanding of how maths is used in everyday life.

Wellbeing Ambassadors

After completing their training, the children were delighted to receive their certificates and officially become Wellbeing Ambassadors. This month, they will begin their important role during yard time, wearing lanyards so other pupils know they are there to help. They will be setting up a buddy bench as well as a games corner with board games to encourage friendship, inclusion, and fun for everyone!