The 2018/19 school year is the second year Herbertstown NS have participated in the Health Promoting Schools (HPS) initiative. This initiative is based around identifying key areas of health which needed improving within the school community. The HPS team continue to work extremely hard and hope to gain a flag this year. The HPS team will continue to encourage and promote being healthy in Herbertstown NS.
The aims of a Health Promoting School include:
• Promoting the health and well-being of pupils • Enhancing the learning outcomes of pupils • Upholding social justice and equity • Providing a safe and supportive environment • Involving pupil participation and empowerment • Linking health and education issues and systems • Addressing the health and well-being issues of school staff • Collaborating with parents/guardians and the wider community • Integrating health into the schools’ ongoing activities, curriculum and assessment standards • Setting realistic goals built on accurate data and sound evidence • Seeking continuous improvement through ongoing monitoring and evaluation
The benefits of a HPS are :
• Better learning results for pupils • More done to promote staff health • A co-ordinated approach to social, physical and environmental needs • Increased pupil self-esteem • Lowered incidence of bullying • School environment is safer and more secure • Better understanding of schools’ health aims • Improved relationships within the school • More involvement of parents/guardians • Better use of outside agencies • Pupils receive better quality education