Waterford Educate Together National School is proud to hold the Amber Flag Award—a recognition of our ongoing commitment to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing among pupils, staff, and the wider school community.

This award reflects the care, compassion, and community spirit that underpin daily life at WETNS.

What Is the Amber Flag?

The Amber Flag is an initiative created by Pieta House. It celebrates schools and organisations that work to create inclusive, supportive, and positive environments for mental health and emotional wellbeing.

To achieve the Amber Flag, schools must:

• Form an Amber Flag Committee made up of pupils, staff, and community members

• Conduct an audit of existing mental health and wellbeing practices

• Set and achieve three meaningful wellbeing goals, such as:

  • Hosting a mental health awareness event or Wellbeing Week

  • Organising a fundraiser for Pieta

  • Running an additional wellbeing initiative (e.g., mindfulness, kindness projects, positivity campaigns)

What Does It Mean for WETNS?

Earning the Amber Flag demonstrates that Waterford ETNS has:

• Committed to open conversations about emotions, mental health, and wellbeing

• Organised whole-school initiatives such as Wellbeing Week, classroom activities, and community fundraising events

• Continued to run regular wellbeing programmes throughout the school year

• Earned a visible symbol of pride—the Amber Flag now displayed at the school as a reminder of our dedication to fostering a caring, inclusive environment

This award recognises not just an accomplishment, but a culture—one that places empathy, kindness, understanding, and support at the forefront of school life.

Why It Matters

The Amber Flag is more than an achievement—it makes a lasting impact on school wellbeing:

• Research shows that supportive school environments boost social connection, positive behaviour, and student engagement

• It helps reduce stigma around mental health and empowers young people to seek help when they need it

• It strengthens community pride, bringing pupils, staff, and families together to support one another

• It nurtures a warm, inclusive atmosphere where every child feels seen, valued, and supported

Looking Ahead

Receiving the Amber Flag is only the beginning.

Waterford ETNS is now committed to:

• Maintaining its wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

• Renewing our Amber Flag in future years by setting new wellbeing goals

• Embedding mental health education into everyday school life through lessons, events, and ongoing awareness campaigns

By continuing this work, we ensure that wellbeing remains a shared priority and an integral part of life at Waterford Educate Together National School.

This is a meaningful accomplishment for our whole school community—well done to everyone involved!