We were thrilled to announce that we were nominated as a DCU Changemaker School. DCU is Dublin City University and we are now one of 45 schools nationally to join this partnership.

Following a school visit and interview with the school team, the judging panel were very impressed with how our school fosters a culture wherein the four pillars of empathy, creativity, leadership and teamwork are all cultivated to provide the best school experience for our students.

We officially become a DCU Changemaker School at the end of February. From September 2025 we plan to incorporate each of the four pillars on a monthly basis with our value of the month. For example 'Creativity' is the value for September 2025. We will divide our year groups into the four pillars where children are looking at creativity from the perspective of empathy in 5th & 6th Class, leadership in 3rd & 4th class etc. This will broaden children's understanding of the value of the month and allow for diverse perspectives in different year groups.

We would like to acknowledge all the hard work done by our entire school team and children to earn this unique recognition and thank all our school community who support us in our daily work.

Rush & Lusk ETNS Amber Flag Initiative 2024/2025

“The Pieta Amber Flag Initiative recognises the efforts of primary and secondary schools,
Youthreach, third-level institutions, further education and training centres, clubs and
organisations to create healthy and inclusive environments that support mental well-being. It
unites these groups in their efforts to work together towards a happier, healthier Ireland and
eradicates the stigma associated with mental health issues.” (Pieta House)

Rush & Lusk ETNS applied for the Amber Flag in September 2024. A committee was set up
which included 6 members of staff and 2 class representatives from each class from first class
to sixth class (24 students). We gathered information on what the school was already doing for wellbeing. The results included: Berry Street Educational Model, buddy classes, Friendship week, promoting
diversity and inclusion, outdoor learning, forest schools, regular movement/ brain breaks and
the use of a calm corner in the classroom.

The goals we set for ourselves were as follows:

 Wellbeing Week – this took place from February 24-28 2025. Different wellbeing
activities took place throughout the week.
o Mindful Monday: different mindfulness activities including breathing
exercises, mindful colouring and positive affirmations.  
o Thankful Tuesday: practiced gratitude and looked at what we were thankful
for as a whole school.  
o Wellbeing Wednesday: practicing wellbeing.  
o Triumphant Thursday: the whole school decorated a brick that went onto our
achievement wall in the school.  
o Feel good Friday: we ended the week with wellbeing assemblies and a whole
school walk in the park.

 Fundraiser for Pieta House – we decided to hold a Rainbow Buddy Walk on the last
day of wellbeing week. Each class wore a specific colour of the rainbow that was
assigned to them and walked with their buddies on a wellbeing walk in the local park.
Each class got to choose a ‘feel good’ song that their teacher played on their phones
as they walk. Each child brought in €2 to take part in the walk. We helped to raise
€565 for Pieta House.
 Wellbeing Wednesday – On the last Wednesday of every month, we have held
Wellbeing Wednesday. The last 40 mins of the day were spent doing something for
our wellbeing. Wellbeing homework is given instead of regular homework. An
announcement is made over the intercom so each class starts at the same time. Music
is played on yard during Wellbeing Wednesday. 
 Buddy Bench - A buddy bench was set up on each yard to help children who do not
have anyone to play or talk with.

The Amber Flag initiative is integrated throughout the school community, as reflected in the
SPHE, Physical Education, Music, Drama, and Art curricula, as well as in the school’s
overall approach to promoting student wellbeing.