Selwyn Primary School jumps first hurdle towards gold!

MEDIA RELEASE 17 May 2011

Selwyn Primary School jumps first hurdle towards gold!

Selwyn Primary School has become the first school to gain Bronze Accreditation as part of the Health Promoting Schools programme. The Bronze Standard Accreditation was presented to the school at assembly on Friday 6th May in recognition of their commitment to the health and wellbeing of the Selwyn community.

As a Health Promoting School, Selwyn Primary School’s actions in areas such as creating a SunSmart environment, improving student nutrition and ensuring the school was smoke free all contributed to the achievement of Bronze Accreditation.

“We are delighted that our efforts and those of our staff and students have been recognised by Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service,” says Mr Tony Pope, Principal of Selwyn Primary School. “At Selwyn we want to develop the social capital of our community, to ensure the students are best prepared for their future lives. Health Promoting Schools is a great way to introduce healthy policies and practices into the school and boost the health and wellbeing of all.”

A small group of dedicated students known as ‘The Student Health Squad’ have undertaken much of the work towards accreditation. They were supported throughout their journey by Health Promoting Schools Lead Teacher, Carey Bennett and Health Improvement Advisor, Donna Guy.

“The journey to Bronze Accreditation has been a collaboration between Selwyn Primary School staff, students and parents,” says Carey Bennett. “Working together as a group enables the health initiatives we introduce to filter through from the classroom to the homes of our community. When we listen to the voice of the community we are better able to nurture strong, capable, healthy lifelong learners, which is part of our Health Promoting Schools vision.”

“Schools are an important part of our communities. Involving the whole school community in promoting healthy lifestyles is key to improving the health and wellbeing of our families and future generations. Selwyn Primary School has provided an excellent example of what can be achieved and I hope that other schools will follow their lead,” says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service.

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

Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service provides health protection and promotion programmes aimed at supporting groups and communities to improve and sustain health.

We serve the greater Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts.

ENDS

© Scoop Media