SECONDARY schools across Cardinia can now take a healthy step forward.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Georgi Crozier visited Pakenham Secondary College on Tuesday to launch the Healthy Together Achievement Program for secondary schools.
The program is a Victorian Coalition Government initiative that recognises early childhood services, schools and workplaces that are creating healthy environments for learning, working and living.
Ms Crozier encouraged schools to take advantage of this opportunity and benefit from a healthier approach towards different aspects of life.
“The great results we’re seeing in the more than 2000 early childhood centres, primary schools and workplaces already participating in the achievement program will be replicated in secondary schools,” Ms Crozier said.
Pakenham Secondary College, one of the first secondary schools to sign up to this program, will be supported by the Healthy Eating and Food Literacy in Secondary Schools initiative.
This initiative is delivered by home Economics Victoria and will help put secondary school students in touch with local projects that promote healthy eating.
School principal Ray Squires said there was a clear link between academic performance and student wellbeing.
“Our involvement in the achievement program provides a framework that can be used to further support students in their general health and wellbeing which, in turn, will have a positive impact on their learning,” Mr Squires said.
Cardinia Mayor Graeme Moore also supported the initiative and said Pakenham Secondary College reflected the priorities of the broader local community.
“Congratulations to Pakenham Secondary College for being a leader in health and wellbeing in Cardinia shire and Victoria,” Cr Moore said.
“This is fantastic for the school, students and wider community and I urge all other Cardinia shire schools to get involved in the achievement program.”
The achievement program and Healthy Eating and Food Literacy in Secondary Schools are part of Healthy Together Victoria, a jointly funded initiative of the Victorian Coalition Government and the Commonwealth Government.
