Wellbeing

Our Wellbeing Coordinator Ms Hilda O Connell outlines the wellbeing supports available in our school.

1. Don't worry about making friends

2. Don't worry about tests - they're not that bad

3. Don't leave your study until the last minute.

4. Don't be scared - it's not as scary as you think.

5. Don't pick subjects just because your friends pick them. Pick them because you enjoy them yourself.

6. Don't be afraid of the work load. It's fine once you keep on top of your work.

7. Don't be scared or shy - ask questions if you need to.

Picture of parent and child class

Student wellbeing is paramount here at Ennis Community College. We have a fantastic support network throughout the school. Everyday your son or daughter will benefit from some or many of these supports. Students meet with their class tutor every morning for roll call where announcements, important information and general pastoral care is received while the year head will look after the entire year group in terms of tracking their academic progress and discipline issues.

A Guidance counsellor is available for all our students along with a Home School Community Officer to liaise with you as parents. We also have a student support and School Completion Programme to support your child's needs. We also have a fantastic Special Educational Needs and learning support team here in Ennis Community College. 

Picture of students receiving their mindfulness 6 week course certificate

Student Wellbeing is supported through all of the  teachers and subjects taught here at Ennis Community College. Students learn about wellbeing through various events and initiatives. Core concepts of the well being curriculum are delivered through the subjects PE,SPHE, CSPE and Wellbeing amounting to 400 timetabled  hours. As part of the Junior Cycle all students follow a comprehensive wellbeing curriculum. Through the wellbeing programme students will be learning the knowledge, attitudes and skills to enable them to protect and promote their own wellbeing and that of others.

Many beneficial programmes are delivered in the wellbeing class such as health & nutrition, friends for life, working things out, anti-bullying workshops, mindfulness, cool schools, talkabout, information technology and emotional literacy to name but a few.

The Wellbeing indicators provide an overview of the knowledge, skills and attitudes that students are moving towards achieving in support of their wellbeing  and shows what is important for students, teachers, parents and the wider school community.

Picture of students partaking in wellbeing week

We run a Wellbeing week during the year. This is one of the highlights of our school year. Included in this event is an awareness day, meaningful quotes of the day, student wellbeing journal and guest speakers. Students partake in a wellbeing run, gratitude notes, friendship & team building games, wellbeing themed lessons, posters, poems, yoga sessions, extended physical activity, kayaking and hiking to name but a few.

Picture of staff and students donating a cheque to pieta house

Our teachers have a great ability to build caring relationships with students and sometimes our classrooms feel like little communities where each student plays a part, it can often feel like a second home. Students want to be in school and want to be learning and this is evident in our excellent attendance report. The teachers here at Ennis Community College are very accessible to their students and parents alike if needed. We have high expectations for each individual child in front of us and we pride ourselves in challenging each student to the best of their ability so that they succeed in a positive way. Giving them what they need to go on to do bigger/ better things & build on their skills. It is our aim to nurture a school environment that is safe & welcoming and where students can achieve and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.