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Local schools recognised for going above and beyond
Education Minister, John O’Dowd and Mary Black, Public Health Agency (PHA)
have recognised schools for exceptional pastoral care at an awards
ceremony at Stormont.
Castlewellan Primary School, St Paul’s Junior High in Lurgan, Malone
Integrated College and Stanhope Nursery School in Belfast have all been
recognised for exceptional pastoral care of pupils and families at the recent
Derrytrasna Awards.
Speaking at the awards, John O’Dowd said: “Young people face many
challenges growing up and it is reassuring that schools can provide support
and help during difficult times in their lives.
“Exceptional pastoral care is not about the everyday support that schools
offer but rather it is about those schools that go the extra mile. The
numbers and quality of applications received shows that there are many
excellent examples of outstanding pastoral care within our schools. All
four winning schools demonstrated a whole school commitment and dedication
to supporting pupils’ individual needs with those needs being put to the
forefront of school life.”
Mary Black, CBE, Assistant Director Public Health, Health and Social
Wellbeing Improvement, Public Health Agency also congratulated all schools
who participated in the process and in particular those which have been
successful.
She said: “Young people think about their health holistically, their
emotional and physical wellbeing are intertwined and at the heart of their
wellbeing are their relationships with others. These will include friends,
family, teachers and others. Good pastoral care recognises the need for
pupils to experience good relationships within the schools community, which
can be central to building resilience and improving young people’s physical
and emotional wellbeing.”
Derrytrasna Awards launched last year and are named in honour of St Mary’s
Primary School, Derrytrasna who showed truly exceptional pastoral care to a
terminally ill pupil, Adele Madden.
Whilst there is currently no nursery category, the nomination for Stanhope
Nursery School made a strong case and the selection panel felt the school
should be awarded a certificate to acknowledge the quality of pastoral
care. The inclusion of a nursery category may be considered for next year