Health

Willetton Senior High School recognises that health and success in schools are correlated and the school shares a responsibility with families to develop good student health practices. We recognises the importance of the inter-connected components of curriculum, school organisation and school partnerships and services.

Aims

• to create a school environment that advances physical, social, spiritual, mental and emotional health
• to enable students to take responsibility for their own health and develop life-long healthy attitudes
• to develop healthy beliefs and behaviours.

Implementation

Health education is compulsory for all students in Years 7 to 10, Lifecare is studied in Year 11 and Health Studies is offered in Years 11 and 12. The curriculum is:

• designed to motivate students to maintain and improve their health, prevent disease, and avoid health-related risk behaviours
• taught in ways that model healthy behaviours and respect for others

Physical activity is promoted to develop the motor skills and positive attitudes needed to value physical activity as an ongoing component of a healthy lifestyle.

Strategies

• the physical environment is safe, well maintained and provides adequate shaded recreation areas in accordance with SunSmart recommendations
• students are encouraged to maintain a clean environment
• asthma management posters are displayed and reliever medications are available
• the Canteen provides nutritious food and encourages healthy choices
• the campus is at all times smoke free
• the Student Services team supports all staff to provide pastoral care both in and out of the classrooms
• programs and practices which reduce bullying are in place to ensure all students feel valued and safe
• social activities and recognition of student achievements are provided at both year group and whole school level
• support is available for students who have experienced grief or other adverse emotional events.

A Community Nurse is based at the school for five days per week and works in partnership with the school to promote the health and wellbeing of the school population by;

• implementing targeted assessments and providing specialist health expertise to optimise the health and educational outcomes of children identified as having health, developmental or psychosocial difficulties, including timely referral to other appropriate services and support
• advising school staff and parents on ways to support health care for students with identified health conditions or difficulties
• supporting identified school strategies in order to promote students healthy lifestyle behaviours based on the needs of the school community with a particular focus on prevention of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and the promotion of social and mental health

The School Psychologists, Chaplains, Year Coordinators, First Aid Officer and Nurses provide emotional/social support for students with psychological, emotional, spiritual or social health issues. Liaison with families and referrals occur as required.

Illness/Injury/Emergency Situations/Ambulance

School facilities are for the provision of basic first aid only and do not allow for sick or injured students to remain at school. Parents/guardians will be notified when students are unable to remain at school and will be responsible for their transport to home or hospital. If an ambulance is required, the costs are the responsibility of parents/guardians.

Medications