World Mental Health Day took place on Tuesday, October 10th and Presentation College’s Cycle Against Suicide (CAS) Ambassador group with the support of Prefects, students and staff took on a whole host of activities to mark the day. Beginning with a non-uniform day, organised by the Prefects, students and staff were encouraged to wear bright clothes. Many students got their faces painted while donations were taken in aid of the development of a school garden. Every forty minutes at the change of class, upbeat songs were played to the amusement of everyone within the school (and even those on the phone, wondering at what was happening!).

Displays decorated front reception, such as the “One Hope, One Worry and One Positive Thing” Origami Butterflies, contributed from the entire school community. Information leaflets and guides were available for students, staff and parents. A Gratitude Wall was also on display, with notes of thanks from First and Second Year students, to raise awareness of the power of gratitude in supporting our mental wellbeing.

To celebrate the day, First Year students were invited to participate in a lunch time Wii Dance event, as well as a yoga session for teachers which took place, while the school library hosted an open mic session with Darragh Heneghan, Denytio Stewart, Alexander Holland Walsh, Colm and Meadhbh Broderick entertaining those gathered during the launch of the new library committee’s lunchtime services.

Finally to mark the day, a huge variety of snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils and tulips were sown along the drive approaching the school as a reminder of the important role that connecting with nature provides in supporting our mental and physical health. 

The overarching message continues, “It’s okay not to be okay and it’s absolutely okay to ask for help”.