October 7th-11th was Wellbeing Week in Loreto and Ms. Dillon, Ms. Killeen, Ms. Nolan, Ms. Robinson, Ms. Ryan and Ms. Walsh packed it with plenty of events. Each day had a different theme; Give, Take Notice, Be Active, Keep Learning and Connect.
Ms. Nolan guided us in meditation each day giving us a chance to
become more self-aware and take a moment to listen to our inner voice. The Ember Team gave out pink love hearts to give everyone a chance to write down something they are grateful for. These were placed on a display board for all to see. Teachers also received laminated card apples with messages of appreciation.
On World Mental Health Day on Thursday, the Ember team painted green ribbons on people to raise awareness of positive mental wellbeing.
Healthy snacks were available for girls to try in the Dining Hall promoting a healthy diet while 6th year students tried some yoga during their double P.E. class on Thursday.
Parents were also invited to get involved as Ms. Dillon arranged a cookery class parents and guardians.
The school wide quiz on Wednesday challenged everyone with lateral thinking dingbats, general knowledge and guess the teacher from their baby photo.
Transition Year students attended Zeminar on Thursday in the RDS. Zeminar is a Wellbeing & Education movement for Generation Z (15-20 year olds and their parents), teachers, mentors and coaches, irrespective of academic ability or socio-economic background. The girls had a very fulfilling day.
Huge positive vibes emanated from the concert hall on Thursday afternoon as 3-piece “New Rules” put on a surprise gig for the girls. The boys kept the crowd entertained with a brilliant show featuring songs like “24 hours” and “Call it”. They especially sent the crowd wild with a cover of “Three Nights”. Alec, Ryan and Nathan generously made themselves available after their gig to meet all of the girls that wanted to get close to them and take loads of selfies. You can see a video of them on our YouTube channel by clicking here.
The week ended on Friday afternoon with a poignant, emotional and beautiful talk by Elma Walsh, mother of the late teenager Donal Walsh who passed away from cancer in 2013. Elma showed videos of her son in his interview with Brendan O’Connor on RTE and other touching footage recorded a week before his passing. She encouraged the girls to always look for help, support and friends to
talk to whenever life feels like it’s too much to deal with. Elma received a heartfelt standing ovation from the Loreto girls, and she was grateful also for a cheque from the 4th years for €360 which they raised from a bake sale the previous week. Ms. Ryan also handed Elma a candle with the inscription “Our mountains are easier to climb as a result of Donal’s message”. For more information on the Donal Walsh foundation, click here or search “Donal Walsh #LiveLife” on social media.
