Wellbeing in St Michael’s Community College
Students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and connected, when they experience a sense of belonging and know that they are valued. Wellbeing is not an add-on to school life; it is part of everything we do, every day.
What We Mean by Wellbeing
Wellbeing is present when students realise their abilities, take care of their physical wellbeing, can cope with the normal stresses of life, and have a sense of purpose and belonging to a wider community.
In our school, wellbeing is built through daily interactions, teaching and learning, and the overall culture of care and respect that defines who we are. Wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility, staff, students, parents, and the wider school community all play a part.
A Whole-School Approach
Our approach to wellbeing is guided by national frameworks and is embedded across all aspects of school life. This includes:
- a positive and inclusive school environment
- strong, respectful relationships between students and staff
- a curriculum that supports personal, social, and physical development
- clear systems of support for students when they need it
Wellbeing in the Curriculum
Wellbeing is a key part of the Junior Cycle experience. Students engage in a range of subjects and learning experiences that support their development, including:
- Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE)
- Physical Education (PE)
- Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE)
- Guidance-related learning
Across these areas, students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need for a healthy, balanced life.
Our Wellbeing Focus
Our approach to wellbeing is guided by six key areas, which support students to develop as confident, capable young people:
- Active: taking care of physical health and participating fully in school life
- Responsible: making positive choices and taking ownership of actions
- Connected :building relationships and feeling a sense of belonging
- Resilient: coping with challenges and learning to manage setbacks
- Respected: feeling valued and treating others with respect
Aware: understanding thoughts, feelings, and the impact of actions
These are developed through learning, relationships, and the overall experience of being part of our school community.
Working in Partnership
We recognise that wellbeing is strongest when school and home are working together.We maintain open communication with parents and guardians and work in partnership to support students’ wellbeing, development, and success.
What Wellbeing Looks Like Day to Day
Wellbeing in our school is not a single programme; it is experienced in the everyday life of the school. It is seen in:
- the way students are welcomed and supported as they arrive each morning
- calm, structured classrooms where learning can take place
- respectful relationships between students and staff
- discipline as problem solving and relationship management
- clear expectations, applied fairly and consistently
- opportunities for students to take part, contribute, and lead
- support being available early when a student is struggling, upset or taken ill
- recognition and celebration of students’ efforts and achievements
It is also reflected in the small, everyday interactions, a check-in, a conversation, a cup of tea, a teacher noticing when something is not right. These moments matter, and they shape the experience of school for our students.
Wellbeing Information for Parents