Friendship and empathy spread at Wexford school as pupils perform ‘random acts of kindness’

Bridget Cullen from the WSPCA pictured recieving a cheque for €374 from the third class wellbeing committee in the Mercy School, St John's Road on Monday proceeds from their Valentine's Day donations. Pic: Jim Campbell

Helen Dryburgh from Cat Rescue Wexford pictured receiving a cheque for €374 from the third class wellbeing committee in the Mercy School, St John's Road, proceeds from their Valentine's Day donations. Pic: Jim Campbell

Tom Rossiter (right in back row) recieved a large quatity of books from the third class wellbeing committee in the Mercy School, St John's Road on Monday. Tom will be transporting the books to the childfren in Gambia. Also pictured at the handover is principal Éamonn Codd and teacher Audrey O'Sullivan. Pic: Jim Campbell

Students from The Mercy School in Wexford town have promoted “empathy, friendship, and a community spirit” throughout the school as part of a week-long initiative. As part of Friendship and Kindness Week the students performed two random acts of kindness each day, from sharing compliments and helping classmates, to thoughtful gestures and smiles.

Their final act of kindness was a fundraiser for local charities, Cat Rescue Wexford and the WSPCA. Pupils and their families generously donated to support animals in need, with a total of €741 being raised.

"Pupils really showed the power of kindness, compassion and generosity and their actions will make a positive impact on their community,” said teacher Audrey O’Sullivan. “Friendship and Kindness Week was a huge success, reminding everyone that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”

Continuing the goodwill, the school’s wellbeing committee donated 400 books to Tom Rossiter as part of the Books for Africa programme. Tom organises donations of old textbooks to help children who have limited access to educational materials and received a large volume of English and Maths books from the Mercy School.

The books will now be transported to Gambia.