St Columbkille's Primary awarded gold star for their healthy lessons

Nov 18 2009 by Will Henshaw, Rutherglen Reformer

ST COLUMBKILLE’S Primary School achieved gold status for their work towards healthy living.

The Rutherglen school was awarded their Health Gold Award in a scheme run by NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Council to reward schools who prioritise and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The school received a visit from education committee chair councillor Mary Smith who presented the certificate to them.

Deputy headteacher Brendan Duffy spoke of the activities the school runs to raise pupils, staff and parents awareness of health issues.

He said: “We’ve operated and sustained various initiatives such as healthy tuck shops, breakfast clubs, walking buses and some after school activities.

“We try to make sure that everyone in all the classes has the opportunity to take part in an after school activity and offer nine different sports in our PE programme.”

As well as this the school also runs information events to provide the knowledge necessary for leading a healthy life.

Brendan added: “We also run an annual health information evening for parents, we have an annual staff health day and in the last two years we’ve worked closely with other schools to put together a healthy show case event.”

Councillor Mary Smith, also the chair of education for South Lanarkshire Council said: “I was very impressed by the range of activities undertaken by pupils parents and staff and that your (St Columbkilles) hard work and commitment has been recognised and rewarded.”

Health Promoting Schools is a national programme, but each area has been allowed to develop its own programme to ensure its schools achieve Health Promoting Status.

South and North Lanarkshire Councils working with Health Promotion at NHS Lanarkshire have developed an award scheme for schools. It has four levels – registration, bronze, silver and gold.