Gold for Santa Sabina!

Blog, In the News

December 13, 2024

Santa Sabina Dominican College become the first school to achieve N4 Gold Empathy School Award

Santa Sabina Domincan College in Dublin 13 has set a new benchmark in education, becoming the first school in Ireland to achieve the Narrative 4 Gold Empathy School Award. This landmark achievement builds on the school’s previous Bronze and Silver Awards, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to fostering empathy and connection in its school community.

Lisa Consiglio, Laura Duff and Colum McCann present teacher Alex Murphy with Narrative 4 Gold Empathy School Award

Mr Murphy said that receiving the Narrative 4 Gold Empathy Award was a “really special moment”. “It’s a huge honour for the school. It’s something we’ve worked towards with a lot of passion and commitment from both the students and staff.”

Alex Murphy, Teacher – Santa Sabina Dominican College, Dublin.

Connection, understanding, compassion

Students from Santa Sabina Dominican college with Lisa Consiglio and Colum McCann (Narrative 4) celebrating their Gold Empathy School Award

The initiative was led by teacher Alex Murphy, who observed a decline in students’ social skills and sense of connection following the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to address this challenge, Murphy brought the Narrative 4 programme, which encourages participants to share personal stories in a safe and respectful environment, promoting understanding and compassion.

A school-wide approach

This achievement represents a collective effort from students, staff, and the wider school community,” said Principal Joyce Kavanagh. “We are incredibly proud to lead the way in Ireland with this transformative programming.”