Schools from across Flintshire were celebrated for their achievements in health education.

The Flintshire Healthy School’s annual Celebration
of Achievement event took place at Ysgol Gwynedd, in Flint.

This is organised by the Healthy Schools team, part of the council’s Education and Youth portfolio.

For the second year running the event was celebrated jointly with the Flintshire Primary School Games Association, recognising the achievements of schools in all aspects of health education and sport.

Pupils from schools across the county attended to receive their awards from Cllr Paul Cunningham, vice-chairman of Flintshire Council, accompanied by his consort, Joan Cunningham.

The cabinet member for education and youth, Cllr Ian Roberts and the interim chief officer for education and youth, Claire Homard, were also present.

Kate Fox-Parry, chairman of Flintshire Primary Schools Games Association and head of Ysgol Cae’r Nant, in Connah’s Quay, welcomed everyone to the event.

Guests saw a performance from the Ysgol Croes Atti choir from Flint and a skipping demonstration by Ysgol Gwynedd.

There was also presentations from Wood Memorial CP School in Saltney on what it means to be a ‘healthy school’ and Ysgol Mynydd Isa, Mold, who talked about ‘playful features’.

There was also a presentation from Ysgol Bryn Deva, Connah’s Quay, entitled ‘touching the sky’ and a
dance performance from Mountain Lane School, Buckley.

Cllr Cunningham presented the county team sports awards.

He said: “Today highlights the excellent work which is happening in all our schools across the county.

“There are a wide range of sports covered including rounders, hockey, football, athletics, cricket, rugby and netball.

“Events such as this show the ongoing commitment to the Healthy Schools scheme – well done to everyone involved.”

Claire Homard presented the Healthy Schools Awards to 12 schools. 

The biggest awards of the morning were the presentations of the National Quality Award for Healthy Schools.

Two schools, Wood Memorial CP School and Ysgol Bryn Deva, achieved accreditation and Ysgol Mynydd Isa was successfully re-accredited for 2016-17.

On presenting the awards, Ms Homard, said: “The National Quality Award is the highest accolade in the scheme and schools must complete five phases before being eligible for the award – on average this can take 10 years to achieve.

“The National Quality Award involves developing a whole-school approach to issues that impact health and wellbeing; they include seven different health themes ranging from emotional health, food and fitness to environment and safety.

“A huge congratulations to all schools on such an achievement.”

There were also special presentations for William Norman from Mountain Lane School and Evan Withe, from Ysgol Owen Jones, in Northop, who were both awarded male most promising sportsperson for 2017 along. 

Mayzee Davies, from Ysgol Gwynedd won the equivalent award for females.

This year’s outstanding contribution to sport in Flintshire award was presented to Neil Williams for his contribution and dedication to Flintshire junior rugby over the past 16 years.