James Street School strides toward gold

MEDIA RELEASE – James Street School strides toward gold

Whakatane’s James Street School has become the latest school in the Eastern Bay to achieve a Bronze accreditation award as part of the Health Promoting Schools programme.

Health Promoting Schools (HPS) is an initiative run by Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of participating school communities in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts.

The Bronze Standard accreditation was presented to the school at their end of year prize giving on Thursday 11th December by Health Promoting Schools advisor, Carl Cowley. The achievement recognises James Street School’s commitment and efforts toward improving the health and wellbeing of their school community.

As a Health Promoting School, James Street’s efforts in areas such as mental wellbeing, sun smart, student nutrition, and being environmentally responsible, all contributed toward the achievement of Bronze accreditation. Teacher, and Health Promoting Schools’ leader, Sandra Sells, guided the students to Bronze. “I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the commitment of our students and the support from staff and parents throughout the journey we have been on,” says Sandra.

Many schools within the Eastern Bay of Plenty now incorporate HPS in to their curriculum, practices and policies. James Street joins a growing list of those who have achieved HPS Bronze accreditation this year, including Waimana School, Edgecumbe College, Te Kura o Omaio, and Opotiki College. “HPS is an effective tool for planning and reviewing student health and wellbeing programmes. The community input and feedback keep the programme specific and relevant to the needs of our community,” says Mr Norah Schreiber, Principal of James Street School.

Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service applauds James Street School on their Bronze accreditation. “Schools are an important part of our communities. Involving the whole school community in promoting healthy lifestyles and creating physical and social environments which are supportive of health are key to improving the health and wellbeing of our families and future generations. James Street School has provided an excellent example of what can be achieved and I hope that other schools will follow their lead.”

For more information on Health Promoting Schools visit www.healthpromotingschools.health.nz

ENDS

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