Forty people have been honoured as champions by their schools as part of the Healthy Schools Programme.

The programme ended another year of celebrating health at a ceremony yesterday.

Schools and other contributors were recognised for consistently promoting the First Five Components of Health: health education; physical education and physical activity; health services; counselling, psychological and social services; and nutrition services.

The Minister of Health and Seniors Jeanne Atherden offered her congratulations to the winners on their outstanding achievements.

Ms Atherden said: “I want you to know that you are well on the way to helping students establish lifelong healthy habits that will allow them to become viable and healthy members of our society.”

She went on to announce that this year, “a total of 24 of 31 public and private, primary, middle and senior schools were reviewed” and received a Gold Star Award of Achievement, indicating they are a health-promoting school.

Not only have 40 individuals been nominated as health champions by their schools, 28 principals, five community health partners, and 14 outstanding Department of Health service providers were also acknowledged.

In addition, there has been an increase this year, from 13 to 23, in the number of government schools promoting a water-only policy.

Winners in each category were given Recognition Award Certificates, which were presented by Ms Atherden, Permanent Secretary of Education Valerie Robinson-James, and curriculum officer for health and physical education Arnold Manders.

• For a list of the winners, click on the PDF under “Related Media”