The Department of Health held its annual Healthy Schools Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 14th June, at the Bermuda Society of Arts, City Hall. These awards are for schools that consistently promote healthy nutrition, eating and wellness among their students and staff. Fifteen public and private schools and eight government preschools were reviewed as part of the Healthy Schools programme. Schools submitted evidence of compliance to this year’s four selected Components of Health; physical environment; physical education and physical activity; health education; and social and emotional environment.

Minister Kim Wilson, JP, MP, said, “Schools are the ideal place to teach our young people about the relationship between academics and nutrition, health and wellness. I am pleased to see our schools providing a safe and supportive environment where students can learn about nutrition, exercise, hygiene, mental health and overall wellness. Children who understand the importance of health and wellness can make informed choices about their well-being.

“The collaboration between the Departments of Education and Health to manage the Healthy Schools programme helps us reach our goal of ensuring that our school students are healthy and positioned for success. The Healthy Schools programme fosters a wellness culture that benefits the whole community.”

The Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, Senator Lindsay Simmons, David Kendall, the Director of the Department of Health, and the Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Kalmar Richards, presented Achievement awards.

A complete list of the award recipients and photos from the event are here: Healthy Schools Awards Ceremony | Government of Bermuda (www.gov.bm).