Old Bawn students raise €1,200 for Pieta House
By Aideen O'Flaherty
Students from Old Bawn Community School raised €1,200 for Pieta House after undertaking a light hike in Sean Walsh Park on Friday, to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and to help them reach their aim of being awarded a Pieta House Amber Flag.
Last year the school was awarded an Amber Flag, which recognises the individual efforts of schools, companies, and groups to create healthy, inclusive environments that support mental wellbeing and they’re hoping to receive it again this year.
Students from Old Bawn Community School
Students from every year group took part in the 30 minute hike, and each student donated €2 ahead of the light hike for a ‘Positive Pen’ with the message ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’ inscribed on it.
Shauna McCormack, an English and religion teacher in Old Bawn CS, told The Echo: “It was a whole school initiative, so each year group was called one at a time to walk through the park and down through the estate.
“It was fantastic to see the support from the staff and students in promoting positive mental health in our school.
“We live such busy lifestyles as we are constantly on the go so having this walk was a reminder that we all could do with taking the time to look out for ourselves, whether it is going on a walk, listening to music or reading a book.
“It was lovely to see teachers walking alongside the students and having a chat with them outside of the classroom setting.
“The locals in the community were out giving us a smile and wave along the walk too which sends the students a positive message in itself.”
The class groups each completed the walk accompanied by their class teachers, and the classes were staggered in order to avoid congestion in the park and surrounding areas.
Ms McCormack added: “It was a great success – the sun even made an appearance and we all came back feeling refreshed and energized.”
