Shady school wins award
Drouin Primary School has been recognised for its work to improve sun protection.
Sun protection is one of eight health priority areas in a State government and Cancer Council supported achievement program.
The West Gippsland Healthcare Group is available to help schools with the initiative and congratulated the Drouin school on its achievement.
WGHG health promotion worker Kira Hardy said Drouin Primary School was providing shaded areas for learning and play, has incorporated SunSmart messages into the curriculum and is promoting preventative measures such as wearing hats in terms one and four.
The school and especially teachers Amy McCall and Leillah Strating, co-ordinators of the program, and principal Brad Wheller deserve congratulations for the initiative, Ms Hardy said.
She added that the Drouin school was the first in Baw Baw shire to gain such recognition.
The achievement program also covers physical activity, healthy eating, mental health and wellbeing, tobacco control, safe environments, alcohol and sexual health and wellbeing.
Drouin primary is also developing an action plan to address tobacco control as the next health priority.
Schools that meet best practice standards receive recognition from the government.
Ms Hardy said WGHG encouraged other schools in the shire to become involved in the program.
It makes a real difference to the lives of students and their community, she said.
Further information about the achievement program is available from the WGHG’s health promotion team on 5624 3500 or at the website www.achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au