R.H. Murray Public School earns Gold Healthy Schools certification

R.H. Murray Public School is a provincial leader in promoting and enhancing the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader community. The school earned a Gold certification from the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) for the 2017-2018 school year.

The Healthy Schools certification process includes six steps: establishing a school team; assessing your school community needs and assets; identifying your priority health topic; developing an action plan; taking action and monitoring progress; and celebrating and reflecting.

A team of 19 students from Grades 4 to 8 completed the Healthy Schools certification process for R.H. Murray Public School alongside staff, parents/guardians, and community partners. After assessing the strengths and needs of their school community, the team chose mental health as their priority health topic.

Under the guidance of lead teacher Rebecca Hamilton Bachiu and Public Health Nurse Tracey Oderkirk of the Health Promotion Division, Public Health Sudbury & Districts , the team planned and implemented a Mental Health Awareness Day on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

Participants enjoyed a variety of student-led workshops related to mental health, including How to Stay Healthy: Sleep and Nutrition; Emotions and Your Brain; Brain Breaks!; Physical Activity; Let’s Talk About Stress; Mindfulness Classroom Kits; and What’s Your Spark?.

“Mental Health Awareness Day was part of our ongoing efforts to promote wellness for the entire R.H. Murray Public School community,” said Principal Trevor Dewit. “Students were eager to inspire their community, and were empowered to be agents of positive change.”

He added: “To certify Gold with OPHEA’s Healthy Schools is a true testament to the leadership of our OPHEA team and all participants in this important initiative. On behalf of the entire school community, I extend a heartfelt thanks and congratulations to everyone who made this a fun and enjoyable learning and living experience for all.”

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Media Contact:

Trevor Dewit, Principal, R.H. Murray Public School
Rainbow District School Board, 705-671-5942