Dear Parents,
The ethos message this week in my assemblies was about ‘Community’. We explored the various ways pupils can get involved in their local community through Sports, Clubs, Charity and Church activities I spoke at length about the importance of physically meeting up with others and ensuring a healthy balance so they are not depending on a ‘virtual community’ using devices. We look forward to Spring when it will be easier to become more involved in community activities. Please click here for a link to a useful page on the importance of community connections
From Mr Tindale (Deputy Principal, Whole School)
We’re delighted to begin the Weaving Wellbeing Programme this term Weaving Wellbeing is the first Irish-designed positive mental health programme of its kind that aims to enhance wellbeing in children aged from 7.5 to 12.5 within the framework of the SPHE curriculum. Coauthor of this scheme, Fiona Forman, worked with our teachers last year before presenting her work to parents.
Please click here for a short video narrated by Fiona.
The children in Forms II to VI will engage once weekly in the programme that explores areas of authentic character strengths, developing and nurturing positive relationships, building practical resilience skills (including mindfulness) and developing self-efficacy through empowering beliefs.
With the aid of the accompanying workbooks provided, pupils will be able to share what they are doing in SEAL (Social, Emotional Aspects of Learning) lessons with their parents/guardians at home. We are confident the children will benefit from their ten lesson programme for each class level
Grounded in evidence-based interventions from the rapidly expanding field of Positive Psychology, also known as The Science of Wellbeing, we ’ re sure it will enhance and support the wide range of work we carry out in Castle Park supporting and promoting social and emotional learning and providing pupils with positive life skills and tools to enjoy long, healthy lives.
From Ms Kennedy (Assistant Principal, Early Years)
I hope you all had an enjoyable start to 2023. We were delighted to see the return of all the little happy faces last Thursday after their break. I would like to extend a warm welcome to two new pupils: *** joined Ms Corry’s Junior Infants class and *** joined our Kindergarten 1 class. They have both settled in well already and we are thrilled that they have joined us in the Early Years department.
Stephen McKernan Principal
Artist of the Week
Ariyah - Greek Vase Print
Before the break, the children in Form IV learned about the Greeks in Social Studies. We decided to look at Greek vases in Art and made a print of a vase on a collaged background. We looked closely at the traditional design of the vases and learned about Greek/British fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, whose 2017 collection featured ancient Greek designs.
Tá
- There is great community spirit there
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members."
– Coretta Scott King
