St Mary’s flying the Healthy Ireland flag now
St. Mary’s Diocesan School became the latest school in the country to be presented with the Healthy Ireland -‘Health Promoting Schools’ Flag’.
The Healthy Ireland - Health Promoting Schools’ (HPS) Flag’ is presented by the HSE to schools as an acknowledgement of their work in improving the health of their school communities. The Healthy Ireland-Health Promoting Schools programme supports schools to focus on health and wellbeing and involves all members of the school community. Students, staff, parents and guardians are consulted to identify priority health areas. Over a period of around 2-3 school years, schools develop an action plan to address the health areas identified. Schools are guided to address their priority area under the following evidence based categories: environment (social and physical) curriculum, policies and partnerships. Schools work, at their own pace, supported by the HSE Health Promotion & Improvement Dept. In each school, a Healthy Ireland - Health Promoting Schools coordinator and Healthy Ireland - Health Promoting Schools team lead out on the progression of health and wellbeing and this work is supported by the school principal, board of management and the wider school community.
European research has shown many benefits of this type of whole school approach to health. Chief among these benefits are increased self-esteem, safer and cleaner school environments, lowered incidences of bullying, a positive approach to health issues, increased parent involvement and better student/teacher relationships to name a few.
In St. Mary’s Diocesan School some of the many health initiatives chosen in order to progress as a Healthy Ireland - Health Promoting School include: the development and implementation of our new “Healthy Eating Policy”, reviewing the structures in place for education in Mental Health Awareness and implementing the Mindout Programme for Senior students. Work with Mental Health Awareness will continue to be the focus in St Mary’s while working towards achieving the Amber Flag; an initiative led by a group of staff and students. The first initiative implemented through the HPS process was the 100km club and is still running strong since its launch in September 2016 with St Mary’s staff and students often seen pounding the local pavements two lunchtimes per week. Opportunities were also presented to link with the schools Green Schools Committee while they encouraged the school to COW or WOW; cycle or walk on Wednesday, an opportunity to get the steps up and reduce the carbon footprint. St Mary’s is extremely grateful for the opportunity to take part in the HPS process and thankful for the support and guidance of Tara Kearns from the HSE. We are also thrilled to have Niall Moyna with us for inspirational advice and the raising of our flag. St Mary’s will continue to work to improve the health and wellbeing of all involved in our school community.