The Achievement Program is a framework that aims to build on the great work already happening within these spaces by bringing together staff, students, families and the wider community to enhance health in all aspects of school life.
Aligning with a number of state government policies and guidelines like the Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan Outcomes Framework and the Victorian Curriculum; the program aims to address benchmarks for optimal health within seven Health Priority Areas.
The seven health priority areas include; Healthy Eating & Oral Health, Physical Activity and Movement, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Sexual Health & Wellbeing, Sun Protection, Safe Environments, Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs.
By achieving benchmarks within the above priority areas, schools will learn how to create powerful policies and practices to change their school environment for the better and receive recognition from the Victorian Government as a Healthy School.
St Joseph's Primary School in Rochester was one of the first schools in Campaspe to register with the program and has already received recognition for achieving three health priority areas, including Sun Protection, Physical Activity and Movement and Healthy Eating and Oral Health.
Together, with support from their Health and Wellbeing Team they are now working to meet the Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drug health priority area.
Deputy Principal at St Joseph’s Primary School Dave Waters said the participation in the program has been extremely positive for their school community.
“The program has added so much to our community's health awareness. It has allowed us to engage staff, students and parents in support of a healthy school both physically and mentally” he said
“We have team consists of all stakeholders, staff, students and parents lead by our wellbeing officer Alex Logie, this gives us a well-rounded view of student health here at St. Joseph's.
“A major achievement for us so far was the healthy lunch order menu with the hard work of this team we were able to change our food choices. This is not only promoting healthy choices for students but also staff and the community as a whole.
“We are looking forward to continuing the Achievement Program to promote and improve in the other health priority areas.”
Currently, a number of schools have been working to combine their efforts by joining the Achievement Program Support Network, which was established as a partnership of Echuca Regional Health Service and the Rochester and Elmore Local Drug Action Team.
The Network meets bi-monthly to share ideas, learning’s and experiences with the program and would love to see more schools involved.
Don't miss out and register your school today by visiting achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au or join the Support Network for local guidance and support by contact Adele Chentworth at Echuca Regional Health via achenoweth@erh.org.au
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