Healthy School Flag Raising Ceremony.
It was back to school for Dundalk F.C. star Jamie McGrath last week as he returned to Athboy Community School for a Healthy School Flag Raising Ceremony.
The 22 year old took time out from his preparations for Dundalk’s final league game away to Bohemians and F.A.I. Cup Final date with Cork City on November 4th to raise a H.S.E awarded Healthy School Flag in Athboy C.S.
Jamie, who did his Leaving Cert in the school in 2014, spoke to First Year students about his career to date with St. Patrick’s Athletic, Dundalk and Ireland Under 19 and Under 21 level, and the importance of healthy living, diet, rest and exercise and afterwards raised the flag in front of the school.
Healthy Living Co-ordinator Miss Patricia Carney, who organised the event explained, “The HSE has given us this flag because they have recognised the fact that we take the physical and mental health of everyone very seriously in this school. We are delighted to raise this flag so that everybody will be aware of this.”
Principal Mr Anthony Leavy congratulated the pupils and staff who have brought about the granting of the status of Health Promoting School to Athboy CS.
The granting of the flag follows a long programme of promotion in the school whereby pupils are encouraged to bring healthier food in for their lunches and SPHE classes have raised awareness of the importance of getting a good night’s sleep and of getting enough physical exercise. In addition, First Years have completed a ‘Friendship Week’ programme and are now more aware of the harm bullying can do to mental health
Ann Walsh from the HSE addressed the gathering to present he school with a certificate to recognise all that the school has done to earn the Healthy School Flag. After this, Jamie McGrath raised the flag to great applause.
After the ceremony the school held a Healthy Foods buffet and Jamie posed for pictures and signed autographs. The school would like to record its thanks to Jamie for taking time out from his busy schedule to raise the flag and to Miss Carney for organising the event.
Ms Ann Walsh presents the Healthy School Certificate to Ms Patrica Carney (Healthy Living Coordinator), with Ms Ruth Fitzgerald (PE Teacher), Jamie Mc Grath (past pupil) and Ms Ita Taite (Year Head for First Year)