Loreto College Foxrock ran its third annual Healthwise Week from 8^th –12^th March 2010.  There was something for everyone – with each year group and each student catered for.
Kate Ryan from ‘Fitsquad’ came to speak to all the 5^th Years on Tuesday 2^nd March, explaining the importance of activity in maintaining good health and the need for sensible nutrition for girls especially.  This was followed by a boot camp style session outside where students paired up with a work-out buddy, performing a wide variety of toning and stretching drills.  The students had a great laugh but felt the exercises in their muscle in the days to follow.

‘Total Produce’ through Dunnes Stores, Cornelscourt supplied fresh fruit during the week and students grabbed a piece or two to munch on later in the day.  Throughout the week, students in a range of classes produced flapjacks and these were sold at break-time in the lunchroom each day.  All students devoured them!  Transition Year companies were in charge of producing and selling freshly made food throughout the week.  These included pasta bake, soup and toasted sandwiches at lunchtime, and bagels and smoothies before school on selected days.  There was a huge demand and great feedback from the students.  All students were encouraged to take up the “Walk to School” challenge,  and they were then rewarded with a sticker each morning, designed by 1^st Years.

 Monday 8^th began with the Transition Year students attending three workshops throughout the day.  The workshops were run by Blaithin Kennedy.  Students became aware of their skin and the ways that they are damaging it.  Blaithin showed the students how to identify their own skin type.  Students made up a natural facial cleanser and toner and gentle facial scrubs.  They finished off by applying rich moisturisers in the form of natural yoghurt and honey.  Students were amazed at how easy it was to achieve super soft skin in a very economical and fun way.  A group of 6^th Year students joined up with the 1^st Years on Monday afternoon.  There was a brainstorming session of school chants.  This was followed by each group performing their chant, with the best 1^st Year group being awarded the title of ‘Best Display of School Spirit’.  Also on Monday afternoon after school, there was a choice between two classes for students - Yoga and Boxercise.  Both had a high attendance.  ‘Tug-of-war’ also got underway at lunch times, when there was a knockout system in place.  Students from all year groups took part, with the final taking place on Tuesday.  6^th Years won the title and they challenged the teachers to a competition on Wednesday at lunchtime.  The teachers put up a good fight but the 6^th Year students managed to win the challenge.  Students continued to run the ‘Loreto Mile’ during their PE classes, and students with the fastest times qualified to enter the 5km run on Friday.

On Tuesday there was a “High School Musical” themed Dance class open to all students.  This event gathered over 150 participants from all year groups. Hip Hop Dance class was on offer after school on Tuesday and again there was a high participation rate.   Students were seen leaving the class bursting with energy.  Wednesday was dedicated to the inflatable obstacle course, which was erected in front of the school for the day.  All class groups spent approximately 30 minutes competing with their classmates and the screams and roars of laughter could be heard throughout the school.  This was the highlight of the week.  Even some teachers were spotted having a go!  Tae-bo was on offer after school for those that wanted to continue the physical training!  On Thursday, some of the 2^nd Years attended a presentation with Peter and Talia who visited the school with past pupil Rachel Hoolihan.  Students gained an insight into the daily schedule of two top athletes - an Irish Rugby player and a pentathlon competitor.  

 A ‘Healthwise Quiz’ was held for all students at lunchtime.  It included rounds covering diverse areas ranging from sports terms to films to anatomy.  The overall winners were a group of 6^th Years.  A ‘Scavenger Hunt’ took place after school, cleverly putting students’ orienteering skills and knowledge of the school to the test.  There was a competitive atmosphere and 5^th Years emerged as the winners.  Friday rounded off the week.  The fresh fruit and flapjacks were finished off.  All the qualifiers for the 5km Loreto run set off at 12.45pm with Sarah Fenn (2^nd Year) crossing the finish line first with a time of 20.25 secs.  All students attended prize giving in the afternoon where all achievements were acknowledged - ranging from the ‘Loreto Mile’ winners to the ‘Scavenger Hunt’ etc. The presentation rounded off with a slideshow presentation of the week.

 Approx twenty teachers participated in the staff 5km Loreto run after school. Mr. Sutton won this in a time of 19 minutes.  Congratulations and well done to all who took part in the 5km run and all of the activities during HEALTHWISE WEEK 2010.