Victor Scott Win 2012 Healthy School Award

Dear guests, colleagues and friends:

It is a great honour and privilege to stand before you today to celebrate health successes in Bermuda’s schools.

While there may not be wide appreciation for the role that is played by the Healthy Schools Programme, all of us gathered today know that this programme is an important link between education and health.

All of us in this room are linked to one another through the focused goal of ensuring that our schools are healthy.
We know that schools have an extraordinary challenge! They primarily focus on academic achievement, but also realize that healthy students have a better opportunity to achieve more in their lives.

Furthermore, in the face of constant social change, schools understand that students should be taught across a broad spectrum of development and, on any given school day, expose them to a variety of experiences.

All of you work to make sure that Bermuda’s students establish lifelong habits to become viable and healthy members of our society. Therefore, it is truly humbling for me to stand here before such a distinguished audience.

Today, we are gathered to celebrate and recognize schools for their efforts at consistently promoting health to their students, staff and communities. Again this year, a school will also be recognized for making great strides in promoting health as compared to last year.

Each school has its own culture and philosophy, and interacts with its community in different ways as it promotes health. No two schools do so in the same way.

Thus, it was no wonder that the Healthy Schools Awards Committee had quite a challenge in assessing schools again this year!

This year, a total of 31 of 33 schools were reviewed, including: 5 of 7 private schools and all 26 government schools.

Those schools will be recognized here today as we celebrate all school health promotion activities. For the first time, five schools achieved a perfect score of 100%!

So, without further delay, we will make presentations to recognise:

• Participants who achieved recognition for being Healthy Schools,
• Healthy Schools Recognition Certificates in eight categories for Schools and Individuals,
• the Healthy Schools Most Improved Recognition Award and
• the overall Healthy Schools Award.

GOLD, SILVER, AND BRONZE LEVEL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS TO HEALTH PROMOTING SCHOOLS THAT ACHIEVED A SCORE REFLECTING THEIR LEVEL OF COMPLIANCE TO HEALTHY SCHOOLS STANDARDS:

This designation was designed to recognize those schools that achieved a standard within a specified range in all eight of the Healthy Schools categories.

These Health Promoting Schools realize that health and education are linked and consistently develop and implement innovative health-related activities throughout the year, in which the students and staff readily participate.

This year, I am extremely pleased to say that twenty-seven schools achieved the Gold Level, which is an increase from the seventeen outstanding Gold Level schools, last year!

One school – Clearwater Middle School – improved its level of compliance from a Bronze Level to a Gold Level! Of course, our aim is for all schools to achieve a Gold Level in the near future to ensure that our students are healthy.

I will invite each recipient in ascending numerical order, ending with the highest finisher in each level to come forward to receive their Achievement Award from Minister Zane DeSilva.

BRONZE LEVEL (70 – 79.9%) in Ascending Numerical Order:

1. Somerset Primary
2. Dalton E. Tucker Primary

SILVER LEVEL (80 – 89.9%) in Ascending Numerical Order:

1. Whitney Institute Middle School
2. Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy

GOLD LEVEL (90 – 100%) in Ascending Numerical Order:

27. Port Royal Primary
26. Sandys Secondary Middle School
25. Dellwood Middle School
24. Mount Saint Agnes Academy
23. Clearwater Middle School
22. Bermuda Institute
21. T.N. Tatem Middle School
20. Francis Patton Primary
19. West End Primary
18. Bermuda High School for Girls
17. Paget Primary
16. Northlands Primary
15. East End Primary
14. Heron Bay Primary
13. Purvis Primary
12. Elliot Primary
11. Prospect Primary
10. Somersfield Academy
9. CedarBridge Academy
8. Harrington Sound Primary
7. Saltus Grammar School
6. The Berkeley Institute
5. West Pembroke Primary
4. Gilbert Institute
3. St. David’s Primary
2. St. George’s Preparatory
1. Victor Scott Primary

THE HEALTHY SCHOOLS RECOGNITION CATEGORY OR COMPONENT CERTIFICATES TO SCHOOLS

We wish to formally acknowledge all of the schools that received recognition for their outstanding health promotion in eight specific areas of health.

I would like to ask each school representative to come forward to receive a certificate of recognition from the Minister of Education and stay at the front for a photograph.

The Health Education Recognition certificate recipient: FRANCIS PATTON PRIMARY

Francis Patton Primary has consistently delivered the required Health Education Curriculum and provided students with opportunities to practice health-related knowledge.

The Physical Education Recognition certificate recipient: MOUNT SAINT AGNES ACADEMY

Mount Saint Agnes Academy has consistently delivered the required Physical Education curriculum and promoted a variety of sports that all students can enjoy and pursue.

The Nutrition Services Recognition certificate recipient: PROSPECT PRIMARY

Prospect Primary has consistently promoted healthy eating with its students and staff at all school events and during school hours. In addition, school staff were consistently encouraged to be healthy role models to their students throughout the school day.

The Counselling, Psychological, and Social Services Recognition certificate recipient: FRANCIS PATTON PRIMARY

Francis Patton Primary has consistently ensured that support from the school counsellor and relevant health partners is available to students.

The Health Services Recognition certificate recipient: BERMUDA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

The Bermuda High School for Girls has consistently ensured that all health-related polices and services are implemented for its students.

The Family, Parent, and Community Involvement Recognition certificate recipient: EAST END PRIMARY

East End Primary has consistently encouraged an integrated approach for enhancing the health and well-being of students, through the involvement of parents/guardians and community resources in school activities.

The Healthy & Safe School Environment Recognition certificate recipient: CEDARBRIDGE ACADEMY

CedarBridge Academy has consistently ensured that the school environment is healthy and safe and that health and safety issues are reported and action taken.

The Health Promotion for Staff Recognition certificate recipient: ST. GEORGE’S PREPARATORY

St. George’s Preparatory has consistently assisted staff with maintaining and improving their health and well-being, and in doing so, served as health role models for students.

THE HEALTHY SCHOOLS RECOGNITION CATEGORY CERTIFICATES TO INDIVIDUALS

We now wish to recognise formally all of the individuals that received recognition for their outstanding health promotion in the eight areas of health.

I would like to ask each individual to come forward to receive a certificate of recognition from the Minister of Health.

The Health Education Recognition certificate recipient:

MS. MARY-BETH AIKEN

Ms. Aiken, a P.E. / Health teacher at Northlands Primary has consistently demonstrated an extremely strong work ethic as she encourages her students to learn more about their bodies, take personal responsibility for their health and understand the importance of health.

MRS. RHONDA SMITH-SIMMONS

Mrs. Smith-Simmons, a trained nurse has consistently promoted health through the Bermuda Cancer & Health Centre, a Healthy Schools partner. She can be heard over the radio imparting health information.

In addition, Ms. Smith-Simmons has provided numerous blood pressure screenings and health information booths at health fairs and wellness events across the island. She also provided the SunSmart program in school assemblies and introduced the Anti-Smoking Program in schools two years ago.

The Nutrition Services Recognition certificate recipients:

MS. ANGELIQUE ALLEN

Ms. Allen, the food service manager of the CedarBridge Academy cafeteria has consistently promoted healthy eating with the students and staff of CedarBridge Academy.

Through the years, she has consistently been the only cafeteria vendor or manager to submit the cafeteria’s menus to Nutrition Services for evaluation and serve the approved meals, as required.

MRS. MELLONIE FURBERT

Mrs. Furbert is a public health nutritionist with the Department of Health who has consistently provided nutrition education and promoted healthy lifestyles in schools and the community. You will see her all over the island – presenting at school assemblies, PTA / PTSA meetings, school health fairs and churches.

Last year, she and the following school nurses implemented the Healthy Move Program, which provided opportunities for students to learn more about healthy eating and physical activity in western parish schools: Tanzania Guyton, Monica Lindo, and Jennifer Robinson.

The Health Promotion for Staff Recognition certificate recipients:

MR. WENDELL SMITH

Mr. Smith has consistently championed health and wellness with the staff at West Pembroke Primary, measuring and monitoring their body fat percentages, water intake, and efforts at increasing daily physical activity. His aim is for the teachers to lead healthier lifestyles and have a better quality of life, and thus, serve as health role models for students.

MRS. TANZANIA GUYTON

Mrs. Guyton, a school nurse with the Department of Health has consistently promoted health in the schools, which she services. She assisted in implementing the Healthy Move Program last year in at least two of her schools.

This year, she assisted her schools with preparing for their Healthy Schools assessment, frequently checking in with them to fulfil each demonstration. In addition, Mrs. Guyton provided health screenings at her schools and encouraged them to have a PTA-driven health fair, providing blood pressure screenings or hand washing education at each.

The Family, Parent, and Community Involvement Recognition certificate recipient:

MS. SARA MCKITTRICK

Ms. McKittrick is a registered dietician and the seemingly tireless diabetes educator for the Bermuda Diabetes Association. Through the years, she has consistently supported Healthy Schools and the Department of Health, providing blood glucose, blood pressure screenings and relevant education.

Ms. McKittrick also assists the public who are at-risk developing diabetes or have diabetes with choosing healthy foods in a grocery store program and provides radio talks and health screenings at virtually every health fair on the island; staff wellness events and supermarkets.

The Health Services Recognition certificate recipient:

What a task it was to choose this year’s recipient! A number of allied professionals with the Department of Health shone this year, including all school nurses who consistently promoted health and other staff who provided extra talks and activities in their schools.

In addition, this year, Mrs. Kathi Rogers a dental hygienist provided the sealant program in thirty schools for 551 students, completing 1,510 teeth! For the last two years, another allied health professional also stepped out of the box and will receive this year’s award.

MS. FIONA BECKERLEGGE

Ms. Beckerlegge, a physiotherapist with the Department of Health, introduced a morning exercise or movement program in the preschools, which she services last year. This year, this program was in great demand by other preschools. Preschools have noted an overall improvement in their children’s ability to focus and recall information, in their gross and fine motor skills.

The Physical Education Recognition certificate recipients:

MARY-BETH AIKEN

Throughout the years, Ms. Aiken has consistently championed physical activity through her delivery of the required Physical Education curriculum. Approximately five years ago, she was the first P.E. teacher to introduce the Bermuda Heart Foundation’s jump-rope program to her students.

Her team has presented jump-rope exhibitions around the island, including the Department of Health’s Celebrating Wellness event at the Victoria Park and the Department of Public Transport’s Wellness Day Fair.

In exposing Northlands Primary’s students to a variety of physical activities, Ms. Aiken hopes that they will develop a lifelong love and appreciation for movement that can help them maintain optimal levels of health and fitness.

BERMUDA HEART FOUNDATION

The Bermuda Heart Foundation (BHF) has consistently supported and partnered with Healthy Schools. While it highlights February as Heart Month each year in schools and around the island, the BHF has been focused in increasing exercise with children and adults through its annual walk.

In addition, the BHF introduced the Jump 2b Fit Jump-rope Program to schools, five years ago. The BHF presents and funds an annual Jump 2b Fit Workshop for students and teachers and seen a great increase in the numbers of students who have adopted jump-roping as a physical activity.

The Counseling, Psychological, and Social Services Recognition certificate recipient:

MR. ANTHONY PEETS

Mr. Peets has consistently implemented initiatives that have developed the character, self-esteem, behavior, and overall well-being of Prospect Primary students. Each morning, he meets with the students to practice daily affirmations and positive attitudes, and implemented a student puppet show.

To replace the practice of rewarding students with food, he, Dr. Durham-Thompson, school principal and the school staff developed a “store” filled with school supplies for which students can earn “dollar points” for improved academic performance, good behavior, and so on. Mr. Peets also can be heard on the radio and seen on panels at school and community forums.

The Healthy & Safe School Environment Recognition certificate recipient:

MRS. MELANIE BURROWS

Mrs. Burrows, a teacher at CedarBridge Academy, is the chairperson of the school’s Safety & Health Committee. She has been vigilante in all related matters, including recommending and ensuring that all of the school’s teachers are CPR / First-Aid certified and that the school is compliant with the Occupational Safety Health (OSH) Regulations.

With her principal, Mrs. Kalmar Richard’s support, Mrs. Burrows has proposed, and then introduced several safety and health policies and procedures documents throughout the years.

Healthy Schools Recognition certificates to Community Health Partners:

BARRITT’S

Since 2005, in compliance with the Healthy Schools Nutrition Policy, Mr. Bruce Barritt immediately ensured that schools receive only plain, unsweetened water and / or 100% juice in their beverage vending machines, cafeterias, and school events. In addition, throughout the years, he has donated water and juice to schools for various events.

DUNKLEY’S

Mr. Michael Dunkley has ensured that his company is compliant with the Healthy Schools Nutrition Policy and delivers only plain, unsweetened water and / or 100% juice to school beverage vending machines and cafeterias. Mr. Dunkley also readily changed snack vending choices in schools to be healthier.

THE HEALTHY SCHOOLS MOST IMPROVED RECOGNITION AWARD

The Healthy Schools Most Improved Recognition Award is being presented to the school that improved in all categories of health and/or its overall level of compliance to the Healthy Schools Standards as it promoted health throughout this year.

This school’s ratings were compared to its own from last year and when compared to all other schools on the island, were found to have improved the most.

Please join me in congratulating Clearwater Middle School for receiving the 2012 Healthy Schools Most Improved Recognition Award.

THE HEALTHY SCHOOLS AWARD

The Healthy Schools Award is presented to the school with the highest level of compliance to all Healthy Schools Components and Standards.

This award plaque is being given to a school that has consistently improved in its efforts to promote health to its students, staff, and families throughout this year.

Last year, it improved from a Bronze Level to Gold as it increased its understanding of the connection between health and education.

This school understands that school achievement is largely dependent on students’ maintaining good health and consistently demonstrated its understanding of school activities being divided into two broad categories: academics and “other” – with “other” being health.

This is reflective of the eight, inter-related Healthy Schools components. Most importantly, health promotion has become a natural part of this school’s culture and philosophy during each school day. Several staff members have become the school’s health champions, leading the school to today’s success.

This school has increasingly implemented all school health policies by:

• way of ensuring that healthy food and beverage choices are available at school events;
• monitoring school lunches through creative activities, such having the students chart the number of healthy lunches they bring each day;
• encouraging students to increase their participation in physical activities;
• ensuring that all health and counseling services required by students are provided;
• encouraging staff to improve their health, such as through school-wide walks;
• ensuring that the school environment is healthy, safe, and conducive to learning;
• encouraging the family and community to participate in school activities; and when possible,
• linking the health curriculum to practical activities.

Finally, this school understands that Healthy Schools is not an “extra”, but happens naturally every day in virtually every school activity.

The winner of the Healthy Schools Award 2012 is Victor Scott Primary School!

To end, allow me to thank you for being with us on this important occasion. Please join me in applauding the continued outstanding health promotion that is happening in Bermuda’s schools.

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