School principals, nurses and teachers gathered for the first East Gippsland Schools Networking Breakfast exploring new ways to boost student uptake of healthy eating and active living initiatives.
Community Health organisation Gippsland Lakes Complete Health hosted the event at The Brew Crew Cafe in Bairnsdale, a local social enterprise.
Nagle College school nurse Libby Tuckett said the morning highlighted small, practical steps school communities could take to increase their focus on health.
“This morning has been incredible. The information has been mind-blowing. I have all these ideas to take back to the school,” Libby said.
“My first opportunity is I want to go out to the students at recess and lunchtime with a platter of fruit and veg and just offer.
“A lot of students come to school, and they haven’t eaten breakfast, and don’t eat lunch, and they just slump.”
Guest speaker Bernie Walsh from the Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER) shared simple and creative ways to embed more movement into the school day – from how lines are marked on asphalt to walking clubs and accessible sports gear storage.
ACHPER is a not-for-profit organisation advocating for high quality health and physical education in schools.
“Students spend half of their awake hours at school, and up to 80 per cent of that time can be spent sitting down,” he said.
“We don’t always have to be sitting down to learn.”
GLCH health promotion team leader Jaquie Nethercote said the breakfast was a chance to bring schools together to network and build momentum around student health.
GLCH delivers a range of school-based health promotion programs including Get Your Game On Outside, Vic Kids Eat Well, Prevention of Vaping and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.
“Through a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles, our work helps community members stay connected, healthy, and actively engaged in their local area,” Jaquie said.
“Our proactive health promotion programs cater to local needs, and help the community take timely actions to remain healthy and well.”
The GLCH health promotion team is looking forward to continuing these conversations with local schools and supporting practical changes that keep students active, healthy and engaged in learning.
