Through our Code of Behaviour and Positive Behaviour Programme, the school is actively committed to consistency in promoting good behaviour. The core principles of respect and responsibility underpin Abbey Community College’s approach to promoting positive behaviour and maintaining mutually respectful relationships between students and staff. We take a restorative approach to resolving conflict and preventing harm.
Our Bí Cineálta / Anti-Bullying Policy and associated activities promote respectful relationships across the school community.
Follow our Bí Cineálta journey and read all relevant documents by clicking here.
Bí Cineálta Week 2025
During Bí Cineálta Week 2025, Abbey Community College continued to embrace the theme of kindness and the powerful impact that small, everyday acts can make.
Our thought for the week: “Kindness doesn’t have to be grand to make a difference. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand… these small gestures can change someone’s day, or even their life” reminded our school community that kindness is a habit worth practising.
To celebrate this message, we launched our Bí Cineálta Design Competition, inviting students to redesign our student‑friendly Bí Cineálta policy to make it more engaging, accessible, and reflective of who we are as a school. The response was phenomenal, with creative entries produced through Canva, graphic‑design software, and hand‑drawn artwork. Our winner and two runners‑up received their prizes in December, and we look forward to proudly showcasing the winning design throughout the school, as well as on our website and social media, in the New Year.
Anti-Bullying Week 2024
Theme: Bí Cineálta – Be Kind
Abbey Community College marked Anti‑Bullying Week 2024 with a series of activities, reflections, and resources designed to strengthen our culture of kindness and promote positive behaviour throughout the school community. Guided by this year’s theme, “Bí Cineálta – Be Kind,” students and staff were reminded each day that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
The week began with a special reflection delivered by the Student Council, encouraging all students to embrace kindness in their words and actions. Their message, bí cineálta / be kind, set a thoughtful tone for the days ahead. They reminded us that kindness costs nothing but can mean everything—a sentiment echoed throughout the week as we promoted empathy and respect across the campus.
As part of our focus on positive behaviour, students were inspired by the reflection that “kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” This daily reinforcement of kindness helped create a warm, supportive atmosphere and encouraged students to think consciously about how their actions affect others.
Throughout the week, we also provided practical guidance to help students and families understand bullying and how to seek support. Information on what bullying is, how to recognise it, and what to do if a young person is experiencing or witnessing bullying was shared with our school community. Students were reminded that they can always speak to a trusted adult in school, and we will be there to support them. Families were encouraged to explore resources such as:
Given the importance of online wellbeing, the school highlighted the short film Connected, which explores how young people communicate online and the impact their words and actions can have. Students were encouraged to reflect on the idea that we shape the internet every day through our interactions. Additional advice and support on managing online wellbeing were provided through Webwise
To further support parents, we shared an informative resource from the DCU Anti-Bullying Centre:
Anti‑Bullying Week 2024 highlighted that kindness is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent bullying and build a positive school culture. Abbey Community College remains committed to nurturing an environment where every student feels safe, valued, and supported.
Remember: Bí Cineálta – Be Kind.
Anti-Bullying Week 2023
Abbey Community College fully support Anti-Bullying Week.
Pictured are our Student Council Executive with Principal Michelle Jefford with our Cineáltas Flag which we received from Minister Foley and the Department of Education. This flag acknowledges the great work that our school is already doing and will continue to do, to promote respect, kindness (Cineáltas), inclusion, diversity and wellbeing.
It is the responsibility of our whole school community to promote respectful relationships and sustain our positive school culture. During assemblies, our school community were reminded of our Charter of Care and expectations of positive behaviour in our school.
Anti-Bullying Be Creative Competition:
Students were invited to get involved and showcase their creative talents through writing, photography or art while to promote the theme of Respectful Relationships. Congratulations to Elizabeth, Lola and Ellie who were awarded their prizes by Ms. Jefford for their winning entries. Elizabeth submitted a fabulous photograph of her pets and their respectful bond. Lola and Ellie submitted poems on the themes of respectful relationships and discrimination. Thank you to all who entered. Another example of the amazing talents of our students
Classes throughout the week explored the theme of Respect. A walk through our corridors and we spotted this poster made by one of our students. Our core value and wellbeing focus of RESPECT is at the heart of all we do here in Abbey Community College.
Respect is free, respect is key to life in the Abbey!
