Our Lady’s Primary School, Tullysaran, officially opened their ‘Relax Room’ on Thursday 17th October. Anna Mae and James Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the School Council cut the ribbon to officially mark the opening of the school’s ‘Relax Room’.
Anna Mae explained that the School Council had asked for pupils to suggest names for the new room, and they received many brilliant suggestions. The School Council met with Mr McCusker (PDMU & Wellbeing Co-ordinator) and Mr McKee (Principal) and voted on the new name for the room which included three suggestions. James explained that as well as being the ‘Relax Room’ it is also a ‘Safe Space’ where you can ‘Feel Your Feelings’.
Mr McCusker stated that our pupils are central to everything we do as a school, and it was so important that they were involved in the planning and naming of the room. They now have their safe space to relax and feel their feelings. We look forward to working with the pupils to ensure that their pupil voice continues to assist the leadership of Our Lady’s in its decision making now and in the future.
Also present was Justin Mallon Manager of Armagh Credit Union. Justin explained that Armagh Credit Union support many Community projects and he is delighted that the Credit Union has been able to assist Our Lady’s with this very important project.
After the official opening Fr James (School Chaplin) blessed the room and everyone present had a look around. Mr McKee (School Principal) said, ‘I am delighted that Our lady’s now has a space where pupils can go to take some time for themselves when they need it. The Relax Room is a further development of our emotional health and wellbeing strategies. In June 2023 we received the Autism NI Impact Award which involved establishing new practices in our school including creating soft zones in our classrooms where pupils could relax during the school day. Our Relax Room is a further extension of our classroom soft zones and we greatly appreciate the support from Armagh Credit Union to help us to develop this space for our pupils.’
Anna Mae and James said that the School Council were delighted to be involved in the creation of the ‘Relax Room’ and look forward to being involved in many more exciting school initiatives.