13 Aug 2014
Published in The Bush Telegraph 31st July 2014
The students at Mt Colah Public School are keeping warm by keeping active this winter, as the school's strong focus on staying fit and healthy continues.
The primary students were ready to race and cheer at the athletics carnival held at Foxglove Oval, on the first day back this term.
But physical activity is far from a once-a-year event.
Students have taken part in a weekly skills and fitness program run by Sport in Schools Australia. Year 6 students also assisted Year 1 students in a range of co-ordination and balance activities.
Meanwhile, the primary-aged students developed their strength and agility through a gymnastics program run by expert tutors from TriSkills. Many primary students also enjoy representing Mt Colah Public School in team sports ranging from cricket to softball, soccer, netball and Oztag as part of the PSSA inter-school sport competition throughout the year.
And for the first time this year, the school has taken part in a Federal Government program called Active After School Communities, which encourages children to join in a range of fun, free physical activities run after school and through the Before and After School Care program, including ultimate frisbee and hockey.
School principal, Dr John Paterson, said the school's "Live Life Well" program encompasses not only the sports and fitness programs, but a focus on healthy living and eating.
Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 all take part in the Crunch & Sip program, which sees them take a short break in the classroom mid-morning to "refuel" on a small snack of fruit or vegetables and to rehydrate with water.
"Students who are not hungry and are well hydrated perform better in the classroom and are less likely to be irritable and disruptive," Dr Paterson said.
The school canteen, run by volunteers, offers the children a nutritious menu in line with the Fresh Tastes NSW Health School Canteen strategy.
And the ‘Green Team' of keen gardeners has been growing everything from basil, tomatoes and capsicum to strawberries in the school's thriving vegetable gardens.
Dr Paterson said healthy students were happy students.
"Our school aims to be a healthy environment, where children can grow and learn the skills that will stand them in good stead for remaining healthy throughout their lives," he said.