Health promotion in schools is not just about encouraging children and young people to eat well and exercise. It encompasses a much broader and holistic approach. This approach called the `whole school approach` includes the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of all students, provision of appropriate health services and the involvement of the family and wider community in efforts to promote health.

To this effect, Agnes Bonett the School Nurse and Health Officer, is currently performing a Height and Weight survey amongst the Grade Three students as part the European Childhood Growth Initiative organized by the World Health Organisation. It is interesting to note that this same survey was conducted with the same students last year, whilst in Grade Two, in order to monitor their growth accordingly.

Ms. Agnes, as she is affectionately known by all, has also just concluded a series of random checks across the whole school to monitor the School Bag Weight of students in accordance to the Health and Safety Regulations. This states that a child`s schoolbag should not exceed 5% of his/her total body weight.

These surveys and tests are indeed part of a series of Health Checks throughout the scholastic year that include; foot screening, flat foot screening, Body Mass Index testing and Scoliosis Checks for the Grade 7-11s.