Go Orange Day was an event held in the school on the 15th of February, organised by the Transition Year Cycle Against Suicide committee. The committee was set up by teachers in the school to help students organize together and enact plans for the school to spread a message of mental health awareness. The day was setup to promote positive wellbeing and how to look after your mental health. Students were asked to wear a piece of orange clothing with the rest of their school uniform. Ribbons, sweets and music greeted students walking in through the main entrance on the Friday morning, in order to create a safe and positive atmosphere. A donation box was also present and students wearing orange were invited to make a donation.
Orange tinted decorations (including balloons, posters, ribbons and banners) were scattered throughout the school to create a feeling of celebration for positive mental health and a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Students in first to third year went to their first class as normal, however in the second and third classes of the day, they were given board games from those on the committee.
During lunch at 10:30, a cake sale was held at various points of the school building for all students to purchase cakes brought in by members of the committee and other students and teachers. Funds raised during the day from the cake sale and donations at the front door went to both Cycle Against Suicide (€275) and Jigsaw (€330).
After lunch, the transition year students played a football tournament against each other in the main hall of the local community centre. Students were divided evenly into colour-based teams. Those who did not want to play football stayed to watch the matches which came to a conclusion at the end of the school day.
Overall, the day was a success, with massive funds raised for a good cause and students having lots of fun.Thank you to the students who participated and we wish a big thanks to all those involved in organising the day.
Special thanks to the students on the committee, including Liam Shortall, Senan O’Riordan, Emily Gargan, Andrea Whelan, Sophie Dolan, Jack O’Connor, Lara Browne, Theo Holohan, Brooke Bolton, Brandon Moore and Killian McKeon.
By Eoin Moran, Eoin Brehony and Jack O’ Connor, TY Journalism
