Awards
GOLD AGAIN!
In the Summer term, we were awarded the Gold Standard in the Health Promoting School Award once again at a reception in the Manor House, Killadeas, Co. Fermanagh. We are very proud of six of our current Year 12 pupils who performed a very powerful drama about addiction as part of the award ceremony. We will hold this gold award for two years. Indeed, we have held the gold award continuously since 2000. This award is for everyone in the school as it assesses a wide range of issues including pastoral care, health education, school ethos, school cleanliness, environmental issues, nutrition and exercise. WELL DONE EVERYONE!
Last year saw the introduction of the new health tutorial lesson for 11A and 110 classes and this has been extended into Year 12. This informal session enables pupils to gather information and skills to enable them to make better lifestyle choices in a secure environment using up to date resources. Topics covered include mental health, peer mediation, alcohol, drugs, smoking, care in the sun, staying safe when out and about and relationships and sexuality education.
Each year, Dr Robinson invites visiting speakers into school to deal with a range of issues. The “Love for Life” organisation make their annual visit to talk to year 9 pupils about peer pressure, media message, teenage development, friendship, choices and true love.
“Love for Life” also speak to year 11 pupils about choices and responsibility, media messages, sexually transmitted infections and values and attitudes. Their website, www.loveforlife.org.uk, provides more information and help for young people.
Jackie Burke from Lisburn visits school to deliver a very powerful message about the dangers of drugs and addiction to year 11, who respond very positively. Jackie was once a registered drug addict but he has been a Christian family man for the last fourteen years since he has been free from drugs. Jackie spends his life now talking about the dangers of drug addiction.
National No Smoking day last year sent a strong message that pupils in this school are largely anti-smoking. A group of four boys from years 8 and 9 helped Dr Robinson and Mrs Bingham make a large cigarette costume and pupils from the school were asked to write anti-smoking graffiti on to it. The boys wore the costume around school on No Smoking Day. Competition winners this year were Adam Ritchie, 9A2 and Arlena McDonald, 10A4. Dr Robinson’s door is always open to any pupil who wants advice and help about smoking.
(Photo 503 No smoking day- Luke, Matthew and Jordan helped Dr Robinson)
Gathering of information through questionnaires is an important tool for furthering health and social care issues. Many thanks to all those pupils who continue to fill in questionnaires.
