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Celebrating Healthy Schools

Published: 13/07/2018

The Flintshire Healthy Schools annual Celebration of Achievement event took place recently at Ysgol Gwynedd, Flint. This uplifting and inspiring event is organised by the Healthy Schools Team, which is part of the Council’s Education and Youth Portfolio. For the third year running, the event was celebrated jointly with the Flintshire Primary School Games Association and recognises the achievements of schools in all aspects of health education and sport. Pupils from schools across the county attended to receive their awards from the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Paul Cunningham, accompanied by his Consort, Mrs Joan Cunningham and Interim Chief Officer for Education and Youth, Claire Homard. Kate Fox-Parry, Chair of Flintshire Primary Schools Games Association and Head of Ysgol Cae’r Nant, welcomed everyone to the event which included a polished performance from Ysgol Gwynedd Choir and creative dance team, a presentation from Ysgol Gwenffrwd on what it means to be a “Healthy School”, and winning cheerleading performances by pupils at Ysgol Bryn Gwalia. Councillor Cunningham presented the County Team Sports Awards, saying: “Today highlights the excellent work which is happening in all our schools across the County. There are a wide range of sports covered including rounders, football, athletics, cricket, and netball. Events such as this show the ongoing commitment to the Healthy Schools Scheme – well done to everyone involved.” Claire Homard then presented the Healthy Schools 15 phase 4 and 5 awards followed by the biggest awards of the morning: the National Quality Award for Healthy Schools. Three schools, Ysgol Gwenffrwd, Elfed High School and Ysgol Derwenfa, achieved the accreditation and a further five school was successfully re-accredited for 2017/18 – Ysgol Gwynedd, Southdown primary School, Ysgol Cae’r Nant, Ysgol Bryn Coch and Mountain Lane Primary School. On presenting the awards, Claire Homard, said: “The National Quality Award is the highest accolade in the scheme and schools must complete five phases before being eligible for the award – on average this can take 10 years to achieve! The National Quality Award involves developing a whole-school approach to issues that impact health and wellbeing; they include seven different health themes ranging from Emotional Health, Food and Fitness to Personal Development and Safety. “A huge congratulations to all schools on such an achievement!” Alongside the Healthy School awards, there were special presentations for Abbey Mayers from Mountain Lane School, Maisy Parry from Ysgol Ty Ffynnon and Rose Duggan from Drury Primary School, all three of which were were awarded the female Most Promising Sportsperson 2018 and Oliver Blayney from Southdown Primary School for Male Most Promising Sportsperson award. This year’s winners of the Outstanding Contribution to Sport in Flintshire was awarded to Mrs Kate Fox Parry for her contribution and dedication to Flintshire sport as Chair of the primary school games federation. Mrs Fox Parry is also retiring this summer as head teacher of Ysgol Cae’r Nant. Councillor Ian Roberts said: “This is a very special celebration event. It is important that we recognise the sporting achievements of children and young people and celebrate the county’s talented athletes. “The Healthy Schools Scheme has been running for over 15 years in Flintshire and it goes from strength to strength. It’s wonderful to see the children so engaged and enthusiastic about this inspirational scheme.” Dragon Sports Awards were also presented as follows: · Dragon Sport Best Teacher of the Year – Chris Jones, Ysgol Glan Aber · Dragon Sport small primary school award – Ysgol Glan Aber · Dragon Sport medium primary school award – Wood Memorial Primary School · Dragon Sport large primary school award – Southdown Primary