Mornington Peninsula school uses Healthy Places to guide health and wellbeing

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School in the Mornington Peninsula’s Crib Point has been using Healthy Places (formerly known as Achievement Program) for several years to guide their comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing for over 200 students.

The school has recently been recognised for meeting best-practice benchmarks that cover “mental health and wellbeing” and “safe environments” under the Healthy Places initiative.

The school’s principal Gab Espenschied said they implemented Healthy Places strategies to align with the school’s emphasis on wellbeing, connection and sustainability.

For the “mental health and wellbeing” priority area, the school underwent a strategic review with wellbeing named as their core business. Their beautiful kitchen garden that’s open to the school community showcases this ethos. Individual students can come here for quiet time and groups can use the space for hands-on learning activities.

St Joseph's also values providing healthy food and drink options and has taken further steps to boost what’s offered to students by taking part in the related Vic Kids Eat Well initiative for recognition under the “Food, Nutrition and Oral Health” health and wellbeing priority.

The school is supported to use both Healthy Places and Vic Kids Eat Well through their partnership with local health promoters at Peninsula Health.

"To further improve food, drink and fundraising options for students, Vic Kids Eat Well offers a clear process and good resources to support us. For a whole school approach considering culture, the physical environment and staff support, Healthy Places is a great framework,” Ms Espenschied said.

“We created a vibrant student-led action group called the Student Health Ambassadors to develop projects that support the Healthy Places Framework.

“Previously, our Student Health Ambassadors have organised a student led house spirit activity which aimed to build a sense of connection among our students and promote physical activity,” Ms Espenschied said.

“This event not only engaged students in joyful movement but also supported our school's efforts to create an environment that encourages physical activity. Furthermore, the school collaborated with Bicycle Network on the Active Paths initiative, which encouraged students to embrace active travel,” she said.

One of Vic Kids Eat Well’s “bite-sized changes” is about adopting healthy fundraising.

“Our students are planning a colour run activity to purchase additional physical education equipment to support physical activity at school. Parent volunteers will cut fruit to serve to students once they cross the finish line,” she said.

Kristen Young, Health Promotion Practitioner at Peninsula Health said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with St Joseph’s Crib Point over the last five years because the school genuinely values health and wellbeing and puts it at the centre of their wonderful learning environment. Healthy Places and Vic Kids Eat Well add value to the approach that St Joseph’s take to ensure its school community feel connected, nourished and excited about learning.”

Healthy Places makes it easier for Victorian schools and early childhood services to support health, wellbeing and learning.

To learn more about the program or join, visit the Healthy Places website: https://www.healthyplaces.health.vic.gov.au/