We are a Health Promoting School!
We have been working with Joan Crawford, of the HSE and her colleague Linda Lyons in developing the many and varied aspects of becoming a Health Promoting School; it links with our Green Flag and Active flag activities, which continue to be promoted on a regular basis. Our first phase consisted of getting feedback from the entire school community on a number of areas; what makes a school healthy? Which areas to prioritise? A realistic timeframe? Areas of responsibility? etc. Our second phase was to collate the information, get advice from the experts, review policies, publicise and then proceed to implementation stage.
Healthy Eating Policy
St Fiach’s has had a healthy eating policy for some years but, with the help of the HSE dietician, parents, children and staff, a committee was formed to review it. The vast majority of children have healthy lunches but the Dietician was extremely helpful in advising as to the finer points, particularly as the 6th level of the food pyramid had been added since the initial policy had been written. This revised policy was distributed to all parents for follow-up comments and has now been ratified by the Board of Management.
Ní neart go chur le chéile! Out HPS committee members; Dónal, Róisín, Elizabeth, Gary, Mark, Caitlyn, Leo, Rory, Dr Bennett, Ms Joan Crawford HSE and Mrs Sínéad Goldrick (Mrs Mary Brown missing from photo)
Hand hygiene was also considered as an important component and greater emphasis is being placed on this throughout the school. In 2012 each class room was equipped with a sink and in November 2013 a UV filter was installed so that the water is safe to drink.
Oral health is also a priority and we appreciate having the dentist calling to the school annually. HSE also promotes the ‘Mighty Mouth’ programme, which helps both pupils and parents.
Hidden sugar in food / food labelling/origin /processing all form part of regular science classes; farm to fork continues to play a significant part in raising awareness for the need for slow food and keeping to the lower shelves of the food pyramid.
Our yard / external environment and activities are constantly monitored by the Active flag committee.
Our classroom / internal environment is monitored by the Green flag committee.
Our spiritual needs are met by regular prayer services, attendance at Mass and preparation for the sacraments on a daily basis.
