The Healthy Ireland-Health Promoting Schools’ (HPS) Flag’ is presented by the HSE to schools as an acknowledgement of their work in improving the health of their school communities. The Healthy Ireland-Health Promoting Schools programme supports schools to focus on health and wellbeing and involves all members of the school community. Over the past 3 school years St. Oliver’s have developed an action plan to address the health areas identified.  Schools are guided to address their priority area under the following evidence based categories: environment (social and physical) curriculum, policies and partnerships. The school was supported by Catherine O’Loughlinn from the HSE Health Promotion & Improvement Dept. The Healthy Ireland-Health Promoting Schools coordinator and Healthy Ireland-Health Promoting Schools team, which included members of school staff and parent body, lead out on the progression of health and wellbeing and this work is supported by the school principal, board of management and wider school community.

European research has shown many benefits of this type of whole school approach to health.  Chief among these benefits are increased self-esteem, safer and cleaner school environments, lowered incidences of bullying, a positive approach to health issues, increased parent involvement and better student/teacher relationships to name a few. 

 In St. Oliver’s some of the many health initiatives chosen to take on board in order to progress as a Healthy Ireland - Health Promoting School included: Healthy eating, physical activity and anti-bullying.