Since the start of the school year, DRETNS has been working hard towards earning the Pieta House Amber Flag, and what a journey it has been! From exciting activities to creative projects, our students have been embracing every opportunity to support mental health, promote positivity, and most importantly—have fun!
🏆 What is the Amber Flag?
The Amber Flag, awarded by Pieta House, recognizes schools that go the extra mile to create a positive and inclusive environment where mental health and wellbeing are a priority. To achieve this, schools must:
✅ Promote mental health awareness through fun and engaging activities.
✅ Encourage students and staff to take part in wellbeing initiatives.
✅ Fundraise for Pieta House, an incredible charity that supports those in need.
At DRETNS, we know that looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our bodies. Feeling good, having fun, and supporting each other are at the heart of everything we do!
💡 Meet Our Amber Flag Committee!
Leading the way on this journey is our Amber Flag Committee, made up of David and Emer, along with student representatives from each class from 1st to 6th Class.
In Term 1, our committee came together and brainstormed creative and meaningful activities that would help us achieve our wellbeing goals. After careful consideration, these ideas were put to a staff vote, ensuring that our whole school community was involved in shaping our wellbeing journey. The result? A series of fantastic initiatives that students have been absolutely loving!
🎉 Wellbeing in Action – What We’ve Been Up To!
Throughout the year, our school has been buzzing with excitement as we take part in some fantastic activities to promote wellbeing. Here’s just some of what we’ve been up to – and what’s still to come!
🎙️ DRETNS FM Returns! – Our beloved school radio station is back, and the response has been amazing! Hosted by David and a rotating co-host from the Amber Flag Committee, students love tuning in every Friday morning over the intercom for music, games, and fun surprises. The energy and laughter filling the classrooms have been incredible!
🌿 Wellbeing Garden Whole-School Art Activity – Our students have been working together to create a beautiful, collaborative piece of art that represents growth, positivity, and kindness. Seeing their creativity come to life has been truly inspiring!
🙏 Gratitude Wall – Coming Soon! – We’ll soon be setting up a special Gratitude Wall where students and staff can share what they’re thankful for. This will be a space to reflect on the positives in our lives and spread kindness throughout the school!
🏃♂️ Collaborative PE Lessons – Starting Soon! – Get ready for some exciting PE sessions where classes will be teaming up for fun, interactive activities! These lessons will encourage teamwork, new friendships, and, of course, plenty of movement and laughter!
💃 Dance Party Yards – Get Ready to Dance! – Some of our break times will soon be transformed into spontaneous dance parties, giving students the chance to let loose, have fun, and enjoy the power of music! We can’t wait to see everyone’s best dance moves!
🎁 Secret Fundraiser for Pieta House! – We can’t reveal too much just yet, but something BIG is coming! Stay tuned for an exciting surprise fundraiser that will support the incredible work of Pieta House!
The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive—they love the fun, the friendships, and the feel-good energy that these activities bring to our school. It’s been amazing to see how small moments of joy can make such a big impact!
At DRETNS, we are so proud of the incredible atmosphere we are building together. Every student, every teacher, and every smile makes a difference. Let’s keep the positivity going! 💛✨