More than 150 teachers and public health nurses attended the Healthy Schools Forum in Perth on 22 May 2015. Hosted by the WAHPSA and the WA Healthy Schools Project, the forum brought together professionals working in the health and education sectors to improve the health of young people through school-based health promotion.
The day began with a networking breakfast with an amazing breakfast cooked and served by students from the 5000 Meals project.
To view the presentations from the day, click on the links below.
Telethon Kids Institute Senior Research Fellow Dr. Kevin Runions delivered a keynote address examining “healthy relationships for healthy schools”. He investigated whether relationships, bullying and social exclusion impact on participation in sport and healthy eating. He also discussed the role teachers may have in managing peer dynamics.
Subsequent guest speakers and case studies provided teachers and community health nurses with resources and tips to address complex health issues in schools. Matt Byrne from Edith Cowan University inspired participants with his research findings on quality teaching and positive learning environments, while Tracey Baszkow from Kidsafe provided ideas to inspire students to participate in unstructured play. Rex Milligan from Foodbank WA related the importance of fostering partnerships as pathways to creating better health outcomes in schools.
Healthway support enabled a number of country schools to attend and two of the three case studies presented to the Forum were from the regions. Thanks to Cranbrook Primary School, Nullagine Primary School and Hamilton Senior High School.
A lively exhibition from a variety of Health Promotion agencies offering support and resources for schools was a worthwhile diversion during the session breaks. Delegates were also invited to attend workshops on sustainability, policy writing, nutrition, active transport and more, delivered by WA School Canteens Association, Foodbank WA, Wastewise, Kidsafe, ReFresh.ED, Healthway and the Stephanie Alexander School Kitchen Garden Foundation.
WAHPSA would like to acknowledge the support of Healthway, the WA Healthy Schools Project, 5000 Meals and the organisers of the event.
