Healthy approach sees high school win accolade

May 15 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ST Columba’s RC High School in Perth has become the first secondary school in Perth and Kinross to be awarded official accreditation as a health-promoting school.

Recognition was gained following a visit to the school in March by Christa Beattie, health promotion officer for Perth and Kinross Council.

The visit was the culmination of a long process involving audit, discussions with school staff and pupils and presentation of evidence.

The school was congratulated for its whole school approach to health and wellbeing and for demonstrating that it values healthy lifestyles for staff as well as pupils.

Special mention was made of the contribution of staff and pupils in partnership with the Active Schools’ Co-ordinator, School Health Nurse and Community Link Worker.

The recommendation letter makes reference to St Columba’s “range of support systems…which include coaching and an open door policy

It goes on to commend the innovative pupil-led choices in the physical education department and the positive, healthy environment in the school dining area – and in general.

It ends by congratulating St Columba’s on a “great achievement” and on being the first secondary school in Perth and Kinross to meet the standard.

St Columba’s head teacher Cecilia Flanigan said: “We are proud to be the first secondary in this area to gain official recognition as a health-promoting school.

“Our staff and pupils are delighted that their hard work has been recognised in this way and we look forward to continuing to develop innovative and exciting ways of promoting active, healthy lifestyles for all.”