Students and teachers on the run for Pieta House

Exam season may be just around the corner but students at St. Mary’s Secondary School in Midleton took a well-deserved break this week to promote positive mental health.

The school held several events highlighting the importance of minding your mental health to celebrate St. Mary’s first ever mental health committee, a group made up of entirely of students.

"They are hard working, eager to get the conversation started about mental health and have a lot of plans," she added.

“Our committee is made of mostly senior students, transition year, fifth year and sixth year,” she said, adding that there is a sub-committee of junior students who will also lend a hand at events. 

There is also a sub-committee of junior students to help lend a hand at events. 

Ms O’Brien and her colleagues, fellow teacher at St. Mary's Leila Kenny and guidance counsellor Niamh Daly have been working closely with the committee on the planning the day.

‘Green-Nose’ Day saw the mental health committee painting every student’s nose green.

“We also have green ribbons everywhere, all over the school,” Ms O’Brien said.

“The colour green was chosen because it promotes positive mental health and helps to put a smile on people’s faces,” Ms O’Brien said.

A fun run in aid of Pieta House was then held, with students who took part racing through Midleton before finishing up back at the school.

“Every student ran at different speeds. Some students finished up as quickly as 20 minutes.” 

Once the students returned to the school, they were encouraged to sign each other's shirts with positive messages as a reminder of the day, Ms O’Brien added.

“It was lovely after the race, for everyone to hang out afterwards. It’s exam season so everyone can use a bit of a boost,” she added.

The school also created the slogan ‘Mind Yourself and Others’ for May, which is currently posted around the school to prompt students to remember to look after themselves and others.