Active Schools Week at Ashton

Ashton Active Schools Week 24^th-28^th April 2017

Active Schools Week is a national initiative and is about providing fun and inclusive physical activity opportunities for all members of the school community. It aims to reinforce the message that not only is physical activity good for you but can also be very enjoyable, co-ordinated by Ms. Dennehy, and Ms. Falvey, supported by the Physical Education Department.

Ashton’s ASW began on Monday when thirty transition year students were invited by Colaiste Muire Cobh to participate in their first Gaelic Football game. Both male and female teams took part in what can only be described as very enjoyable experience.

On Tuesday 6^thyear students took on our experienced teaching staff in Ultimate Frisbee and suffered a slightly embarrassing defeat of 7-1, (despite some incidents of ageism and sledging). Ms. Stoutt was Most Valuable Player on the day.

Over the course of the week there were a variety of events held in PE classes, during lunch time and after school. The HappyFitnessGuy visited Transition Year PE classes to talk about nutrition and fitness. 3^rd and 5^th students participated in Tag Rugby with an experienced Munster rugby coach, 3^rd and 6^th year girls participated in Yoga, and Resolution Fitness from Douglas visited 5^th year students which involved an active fitness session. Staff were also encouraged to get active, with teacher Yoga offered on Friday morning and, to choose healthier options with salads, fruit and granola and unlimited water bottles on offer.

Each day posed an ASW question to all students which was centred on physical activity and nutrition. Some questions included portions of fruit and vegetables recommended daily and minutes of physical activity required on a daily basis. A ‘Where’s Wally’ competition was also run alongside this specifically for first year students. This required all first years to move and locate Wally’s daily position for the week.

At lunch time, activities included Welly Toss, Puc and Cic Fada, hockey and soccer cross bar challenges with prizes won by both male and female, junior and senior students. After school students were offered to engage in Basketball, soccer, Gaelic football, Rounders and Zumba.

ASW was the ideal opportunity to remind everyone how important it is to make that time to be physically active for 60 minutes a day, merely one hour, and only 4% of your day. Exercise not only changes your mood, it changes your mood, your mind and your attitude. It rejuvenates and reenergizes you after a long day at school. One will never regret the time one takes to look after ones health so make that time to do something active today.

Students participate in yoga class as part of Active Week.

Important messages for good health.