Scoil Náisiúnta Seanbhaile

"Health Promoting School" title for Scoil Náisiúnta Seanbhaile


"Having a good, positive attitude about your friends is very important" said Shanbally N.S. Principal, Liam Shanahan, addressing students from all classes at the launch of the school's formal recognition by the HSE as a Health-Promoting School (HPS) on Thursday 10th April 2008. "Spending some time each day playing, relaxing and chatting with your pals is good for Mental Health", he said and went on to explain how making good choices about food, and exercising our bodies through play and games, can help to keep us from being sick and from going to hospital. Gary Hannify, All Ireland hurling champion from Offaly, who now works locally, spoke to the children about the importance of diet and exercise and how both helped him achieve his success on the pitch.

It was a big day of celebration at the school as each class performed either a poem or song on the Food Theme, kicked off by First Class singing a rousing "Food, Glorious Food" from the film 'Oliver', conducted by teacher Ms. Kelly. Mrs. Barry's Senior Infants recited a poem 'as Gaeilge' entitled 'Cad tá uait a Pháiste?'. French teacher, Natalie Lynch coached Fourth Class in the performance of an action poem called 'L'Omelette'. Mrs. Tuohy's Junior Infants sang 'The Food Song' and held up pictures of their favourite foods. The humble spud got a great airing by Sixth Class who recited "Mashed Potatoes on the Ceiling"! The carbohydrates were promoted by Fifth Class who recited "I've noodles in my Nose", Second Class sang 'The Bread Song', and Third Class promoted healthy food 'as Gaeilge' in the poem "Bia Folláin". The 'Halla' was decorated with colourful posters of fruit and vegetables, the results of an Art Competition in the school on 'Fruity Friday' which is now established as a day when children replace sweets and confectionary with fruit as their 'treat'.
Maria Harrington, Senior Clerical Officer from the HSE, presented the HPS Recognition Plaque to School HPS Coordinator, Naomi O'Donovan, who presided over the project in the school for the last two years, advised along each step of the way by Mags Crowley, HSE HPS Coordinator who also attended. Naomi steered the project through the pre-planning phase, where questionnaires from all parties, students, parents and staff were completed and analysed to see what areas were of greatest concern. These were identified as hygiene, safety (both physical and social), and nutrition.

Next, an Action Plan was put in place to update the School's Nutrition Policy to reflect the views of all three groups. It was agreed that a variety of foods from all five areas of the Food Pyramid be included in lunch boxes and food would not be linked with weight or any comment made on body size. Fizzy drinks are banned and finally students are to be given enough time for lunches. Three student members of the school's HPS committee, Cormac Hurley, Aoife Horgan and Gillian Ronayne presented outgoing members of the committee, Naomi O'Donovan, and two Parents Association representatives Mary O'Meara and Ruth Mulcahy with beautiful baskets of fruit to acknowledge all the hard work over the two years. Third Class teacher, Sinead Ni Loinsigh, took over as new HPS Coordinator and two new Parents Assoc. reps., Noreen Coffin and Carolyn Flannery joined the committee.

Thursday 10th April 2008 was indeed a memorable day for Scoil Náisiúnta Seanbhaile as it was the culmination of two years hard work and everyone involved was so proud to see the coveted award which is now displayed in a prominent place at the front door of the school for all to see.