Ratoath College concentrates on healthy lifestyle choices for a week

Ratoath College held its very first Healthy Lifestyles Awareness Week earlier this month. The week kicked off with the 'Ready, Steady, Cook' Challenge when principal Máire Ni Bhróithe and Mr Kevin Heaney went head-to-head with deputy principal Oonagh Prendergast and Mr Derek Ball in a cook-off in the kitchen! Management and teachers wowed the students with their culinary skills as Mr Declan Qualter entertained the crowd as MC for the big event. A select number of lucky students won the privilege to taste the gastronomic delights and the victorious duo were selected by the audience. It was a very close contest and, after careful examination of video evidence, Ms Prendergast and Mr Ball were declared winners and presented with the awards at assembly. As part of the campaign to encourage students to get their five-a-day of fruit and vegetables, students were offered free fruit on one day, courtesy of the school canteen, Happy Foods. The canteen was also careful to ensure that all food served that week included lots of vegetables, where possible. On another morning, all students were wide awake in assembly after a refreshing walk to school. The Walk on Wednesday campaign meant all students had to walk to school, as no parents' cars were allowed enter the grounds of the school. This was a great success, as not only did it help reduce traffic congestion and help the environment, it also meant students got some of the 60 minutes' physical activity they need each day. Leaving Cert Applied students created awareness and provided information on various health issues when they set up health promotion display stands in the general purpose area. Students had the opportunity to talk to their peers about various issues which they might not feel comfortable speaking to a professional about. Mental health was also a focus of the week. Activities such as chess and sudoku were organised at lunchtime to stimulate the young minds. Throughout the week students had the opportunity to take time out from their busy timetables and reflect in the prayer room at lunchtime. Alternative activities such as yoga and yogalates were offered to senior students by local instructors who gave freely of their time. The week came to an end with a walk around the village for all first year students, supervised by Cinnirí and staff. They had the unique opportunity to leave the school grounds at lunchtime and get some fresh air and exercise to help them concentrate for the remainder of the afternoon.