St. Joseph’s NS, Bree was awarded Health Promoting School status in May 2019 in recognition of their commitment to health and wellbeing in the school. Mr. Colm Moore, Ms. Aisling Carberry, Ms. Betty White and the HPS Students Committee led the initiative.

 

As part of the process, the students were surveyed and their views were taken on board. Plans were made and actions carried out. The priorities were: to promote mental health and wellbeing for all members of the school community; to improve the physical space of the school as much as possible to ensure a clean, welcoming and stimulating environment; and to develop and use new activities, during and after school, with the children.

 

Among the many initiatives taken to improve health in the school were: Friday lunchtime discos, cycle safety courses, the DCU Being well, Moving Well project, sports and fun days in the school, Lego workshops and a visit from the fire brigade.

 

On Monday 17th June 2019, to celebrate the awarding of the HPS flag, the school staff and children walked up Bree Hill and had a picnic. This was the essence of health promotion: a healthy walk outdoors, among friends, with nutritious food. Afterwards, they raised the HPS flag in the school grounds.