Abbeyleix South National School received a Flag for their Involvement in The HSE’s Health Promoting School Initiative.
Abbeyleix South National School decided to become involved in the Health Promoting School Initiative in May 2015, in order to formalise their commitment to health. Through their involvement with the HSE Health Promotion Department, they have brought their health promoting commitment to a new level.
A Health Promoting School can be characterised as a school, “constantly strengthening its capacity, as a healthy setting for learning and working.”
Abbeyleix South National School, as a health promoting school, is one in which the Board of Management, staff, pupils, parents and relevant agencies work together in a planned way to promote the health of everyone in the school community.
Who Is Involved? All pupils, The Health Promoting School Committee (6 Pupils, 2 Parents, 2 Staff Members), all staff
Parents/Guardians and the whole school community.
The aims are to improve the overall health and well-being of the school community; achieve a co-ordinated approach to social, emotional, physical and environmental needs; raise the self–esteem and self–confidence of pupils; provide better understanding of the school’s health aims
“At the beginning of this Programme, the South School sent out a survey to all parents and pupils, to help them decide on the areas of health they most needed to focus on,” said the school in a statement.
“After analysing all of the results and suggestions from parents, pupils and staff members, they decided on the four key areas that needed to be worked on, over a two year period. During the school year (2015–2016) we focused on Physical Education and Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence. This school year (2016 – 2017), we have geared towards Mental Health & Well-Being and Healthy Eating.
“Health Promoting Events and Activities Include: Mindfulness Mondays in each classroom; Yoga; Weekly 1km Run (Summer Term); Food Dudes; Cycling Workshop; Active Week; Zippy’s Friends Programme; Designing Health Heroes; Growing Vegetables in Our Poly-tunnel; Cooking Healthy Dishes; Basketball Lessons; Mental Health Workshop; Tennis Workshop; Family Run/Walk.
Picture: Alf Harvey.
“Our School Motto – Created By The Health Promoting School Committee: “Being Healthy Can Be Done, Being Healthy Can Be Fun” and “Stay Healthy, Stay Happy”.
“The last two school years have been very productive in terms of starting off the Health Promoting School Programme. Abbeyleix South National School received recognition as a Health Promoting School, last May and received a Certificate of Active Participation. We have now achieved a Health Promoting School Flag, for our school.
Pictures: Alf Harvey
“Well done to everyone, especially our health promoting school committee, on all the work which has been undertaken, in order to make our school an even happier and healthier place to work and learn.”
