Vale Primary praised for healthy habits

Friday 05 July 2019

Vale Primary has received a Healthy Schools Award, with pupils and management praised for their healthy eating initiatives and outdoor learning.

The school has achieved the award in the past, but this is the first time it has achieved the new Guernsey award, which is designed to support and strengthen local schools' PSHCE provision.

“We have all enjoyed working together to make Vale the healthiest, most vibrant place that it can be," said Headteacher Gary Hind. "The children have learnt a great deal by working with Education and Health professionals about how we can all take steps to live healthier lives. The children have made decisions through our school council in collaboration with staff and parents and have communicated their findings confidently to them."

In September last year, the school introduced food ambassadors, one of whom is Erin Casey, 10. She has investigated sugar content in different food and drink products and delivered a presentation to parents about the school's healthy eating schemes.

"I help with all the healthy eating, I do different surveys and I bring out healthy food at break time," she said. "I think it [healthy eating] is good because you will be more fit and more healthy when you are older and have a longer life."

The school councillors also have an important role to play. 

"I discussed healthy snacks at the school council and helped make a poster about this," said Year 5 pupil Harvey Huxster, 10.

"We have put one up in every classroom so they can see it when they walk out."

Vale pupils with Lady Corder, Gary Hind, Alun Williams and HSC Vice-President Rhian Tooley. 

The school has recently enjoyed visits from long-distance swimmer Rosie Williams, Guernsey FC goalkeeper Jordan Kelly and athlete Sam Wallbridge. 

"All three of those all have had to work really hard and have had to overcome difficulties and be resilient they have really focused on how they live their lives," the Health Improvement Commission's Education Lead Alun Williams told Vale pupils at a special prize giving assembly yesterday. "They all eat really well, get plenty of sleep and manage their activity."

Mr Williams was part of the team that assessed the school and commended them on their healthy eating initiatives and outdoor learning opportunities. 

Lady Corder, who presented the awards, told the pupils they were learning good habits that would serve them well in the future. 

"I think you have all done really well and the most important thing is that you keep it up going forward," she said. "What you have learnt here is a skill for the rest your lives."

Pictured top: Vale Primary pupils Alisha Pipet, 11, Erin Casey, 10, Mia Guilbert, 10, and Harvey Huxster, 10.