The WAHPSA Showcase was held on Friday 30 October 2015 and was our final meeting of the year. Almost 50 teachers, school health nurses, and health professionals promoting school health shared their ideas and programs that support the Health Promoting Schools framework.
The event kicked off with Sally Blane, WAHPSA President, providing an overview of WAHPSA including the vision, purpose and strategic objectives, Health Promoting Schools (HPS) framework, 2015 achievements, and what 2016 holds for WAHPSA.
Ross Williams, Academic Chair, Health and Physical Education, Murdoch University delivered the first keynote address examining the challenges facing educators. He investigated curriculum changes, how to get everybody ‘on board’ and how to decipher the myriad of health messages. He also provided an overview of the Take the Challenge nutrition and physical activity program for primary school children. Hayley Robertson, WA Project Manager, Better Health Company provided the second keynote address detailing the online professional development resource, Talking with Parents about Children’s Weight and their evidenced based obesity prevention program for children and families, Better Health Program.
Subsequent guest speakers provided 3 minute lightning talks showcasing programs and resources available for educators and health professionals to promote and support health in schools.
- Animal Fun – Sue McLaren, Curtin University
- Sexual & Blood Bourne Virus Program – Maryrose Baker, Department of Health
- Pebbles – Stella Chan, Continence Advisory Service
- Changing Minds & SMILES – Ashleigh Easthope, Helping Minds (previously Arafmi)
- Kitchen Garden Program – Marcelle Coakley, Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation
- Protecting children from injury – Jess Richards, Kidsafe
- School Breakfast Program, Food Sensations®, Fuel your Future – Leisha Aberle, Foodbank WA
- SunSmart and Crunch&Sip – Sally Blane, Cancer Council WA
Following the presentations, attendees enjoyed a nutritious breakfast while networking with other professionals.
