Dunfanaghy NS crowned April’s Healthy Heroes

Scoil Na Croise Naofa has been named the Healthy Heroes School for April.

The Dunfanaghy National School has come first among hundreds of primary schools across Ireland thanks to the staff and students’ efforts in promoting healthy eating.

“We’re thrilled to have been chosen as Healthy Heroes school of the month for April,” Teacher and Healthy Heroes Coordinator at Scoil Na Croise Naofa, Mary O’Donnell said. “The pupils have worked really hard throughout the programme and they consciously strive to bring in extra healthy snacks every day as a result. 

“The pupils enjoyed learning all about nutrition and it’s really opened up their eyes to healthier options available for lunch. The boys and girls were particularly passionate about the exercise elements of the programme and love playing active games out in the schoolyard for the break.”

The programme aims to educate children on nutrition, physical activity and how to maintain and enjoy healthy lunchtime habits. Scoil Na Croise Naofa is also participating in the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club initiative supported by the Irish Bread Bakers Association (IBBA) and Bord Bia.

“Congratulations to everyone at Scoil Na Croise Naofa, Dunfanaghy for their efforts in embodying just what it means to be true healthy heroes,” Shauna McCarthy who oversees the programme on behalf of the IBBA said.  “It’s fantastic to hear such positive feedback from the teachers and the students and how much they’re enjoying taking part in it. We’re delighted to see that the programme is helping to make a real difference in the classroom. 

“School lunchtime is an important opportunity to develop positive attitudes towards food choices, nutrition and being active. Incorporating these habits from a young age and in a playful environment will make a big difference as they grow older.”

Designed by teachers and behaviour change experts with the support of Dr Mary McCreery, one of Ireland’s leading consultant nutritionists and dieticians, the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club gives children the opportunity to foster valuable leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, all while learning to stay active and eat healthily. 

Now in its tenth year, the programme allows pupils to learn about nutrition while helping to boost children’s activity levels in a supportive learning environment.

The programme also involves a novel peer learning approach with sixth-class students mentoring younger students on the importance of nutrition and being active. This provides the younger children with important role models, while the older children have an opportunity to foster valuable leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.