National Healthy School Status is a quality standard which underpins not only Personal, Social and Health Education, (PSHE), but also whole school raising of achievement. This work encourages a whole school approach and a systematic development of PSHE within the school.

In order for a school to become nationally recognizes as a healthy school, it will need to demonstrate that it is meeting nationally agreed criteria within the following themes: PSHE (including drugs education and sex and relationship education), Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Emotional Health and Well-being.

Achieving the standard is dependent on a whole school approach, which not only gives students a voice but also gives parents, teachers and the wider community a voice.

Continued . . .

By 2009 the government wants to be supporting all schools towards achieving National Healthy School status and showing that through an integrated, whole school approach they are helping all young people to live healthy lives. In Herefordshire half of all schools have already committed to becoming healthy schools in the academic year 2005 - 2006.

Walford School has successfully submitted its Healthy School bid and has been accredited with National Healthy School status.

Continued . . .

On Friday 4th November the school was presented with four certificates in recognition of their achievement and a digital camera was presented to the school after children had sent in completed questionnaires following their recent involvement in 'Crucial Crew.'

The Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Councillor Phil Cutter officially opened the Cards For Good Causes shop at the Heritage Centre on Tuesday, 31st October. Purchasing Christmas cards from Cards for Good Causes will help many different local charities.

Pictured below with the Mayor are Mary Powell of Ross Heritage Centre and Ann Jones of Cards for Good Causes.

Robin Kirkham is Deputy Principal of New Zealand's newest High School. Botany Downs Secondary College was built in Eastern Auckland three years ago and is still growing to capacity. Robin is in the UK looking at schools that 'lead the field' to help seed ideas for the growth and development of his school. He was especially interested in John Kyrle High School's use of emerging technologies, the school's staff-student mentoring programme, its approach to teaching different levels in the classroom and some new and innovative ideas that may lead to students having a stronger voice in the school.

With Robin Kirkham and Nigel Griffiths in the photo below are Bethan Mace, Stacey Beach, Sara Bridges, Ellase Cooper, Andrew Turner, Jack Haynes, Aaron Brooks-Thornett, Adam Smith and Jamie Nesaratnam.

October 31st was celebrated at P.A.W.S. in an unusual fashion. By the light of pumpkin lanterns and with the room spookily decorated, three Whitchurch Firemen arrived for tea. They sat with the children and enjoyed pumpkin soup as they chatted readily.

Afterwards, out in the playground, team water games followed and everyone had a wonderful time.

The highlight of the evening was spraying the Senior Playworker with water!

Whitchurch is very lucky to have a retained fire service, run by people who are willing to give their time to promote good community links.

P.A.W.S. (Play at Whitchurch School) is a new venture offering after school care for children aged 4 - 11 years. It is open during the school term from 3.15 - 5.10pm.

Lots more activities and similar events are planned.

A firework display and barbecue took place at The Barrel Inn, Broad Street on Guy Fawkes Night and I was invited along to munch some hot dogs and watch the display. Thank you for the nice evening, Charmaine, Nikki and Samantha. I enjoyed it very much!

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