Start the day the right way! Loreto College Foxrock recently held its annual Healthwise Week - now in its fourth year. It started on the right note with a large number of students walking to school - taking advantage of the bright mornings and dry fine weather. Each student who did this received a specially designed ‘Walk to School’ sticker.
Members of the Student Council greeted students and handed out the stickers. There was a different sticker each morning; all designed by 1st Year SPHE classes, and with each day representing a different class group. Upon entering the school, we were treated to free fresh fruit, sponsored by ‘Total Produce’ which was snapped up quickly. On Monday Transition Year students attended a beauty workshop with Blaithin Kennedy from Bk4U Aromatherapy in Blackrock, who demonstrated how to care for your skin with natural everyday products you find in your kitchen and showing students how to pamper themselves at home. This was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Flapjacks, made by the students were on sale at break time each day to help keep the energy levels up. As Healthwise Week coincided with ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’, the ‘Puc Fada’ competition was held at lunchtime, and all students had the opportunity to have a go. After school on Monday, Ms. Ryan organised a ‘Treasure Hunt’, which saw students from 1st Year right up to 6th Year taking part.
Tuesday morning saw students receiving their second ‘Walk to School’ sticker and, with fresh fruit in hand, heading to the cafeteria to purchase home made pancakes from the Transition Years. This kicked off ‘Sunshine Day’, which encouraged students to focus on caring for their mental health. The Student Council arranged for students to wear funny, brightly coloured socks to express their emotions. There was a great show of colours on display. There was a competition for the best socks. A local chef, Rory Morahan came to give a demonstration on fish and cooking healthily to 2nd Year Home Economics students. All the dishes were devoured and students’ fear of fish disappeared. Flapjacks were available at break time. At lunch time there was the ‘Tug of War’ competition where representatives from each year group competed with each other in teams. Each student was given a balloon after lunch during Tutor time. They were instructed to write down their worry on it, blow it up and then pop the balloons with their class mates. This was the brain child of the Student Council - to help students release their worries and fears which helps maintain good mental health. After school on Tuesday there was a ‘Zumba Dance’ class open to all students and teachers. It was well received and many students were left a little breathless after it.
Wednesday, the middle of Healthwise Week, saw fresh fruit, flapjacks, granola and yoghurt on offer. Rory Morahan gave another demonstration to 2nd Year Home Economics students. Students continued to submit poems under the themes of health, nutrition, exercise etc, from which a junior and senior winner will be selected next week. ‘Ceili Mor’ was well attended at lunchtime and there was also live music. 6th Years presented a ‘Talent Show’ after school which included plenty of laughs and entertainment.
Thursday commenced with bagels being offered as well as fresh fruit and flapjacks. Healthwise T-shirts were worn throughout the week, and ‘The Loreto Mile’ took place during PE classes. There was an inflatable obstacle course erected at the school for the day and all students had the chance to compete with their friends. Plenty of energy was burnt off throughout the day and great laughs and memories were created. At lunchtime, there was a ‘Table Quiz’ for ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’ organised by the Irish Department. This was well attended. After school, students joined an ‘Aerobics’ class to use up some of their energy from the day.
The final day of Healthwise Week arrived on Friday. This was the last day of the ‘Walk to School’ stickers, flapjacks, fresh fruit and smoothies. A planned 5km run was postponed until Tuesday 14th March due to weather conditions. Students running the fastest times in ‘The Loreto Mile’ qualified for the 5km race. At the end of the day, all students came together for Healthwise Week Prizegiving. This was followed by a “Flashmob” which was huge success.
Many thanks to all involved in the organisation and running of Healthwise Week, with special thanks to the Home Economics, PE & SPHE Departments & the Student Council.
By Ms McGettrick
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
