Active Schools Flag
The Department of Education and Skills wishes to recognise schools that strive to achieve a physical educated and physically active school community by awarding them the Active School Flag. Once awarded the flag remains valid for a period of 3 years.
We are delighted to announce that Saint Joseph’s National School has begun the exciting challenge of achieving its first Active Schools Flag (ASF). With a lot of hard work and commitment ahead the whole school is striving to achieve the award by the end of this year.
To achieve the award the school must complete the following requirements:
1 Complete a comprehensive application form and provide a varied PE timetable
2 Inform and invite the whole school community to participate in the ASF process
3 Commit to a process of self-evaluation and review Physical Education across 15 areas
4 Plan and implement improvements that will enhance PE and physical activity provision for all pupils
Watch out for more details and events taking place over the coming weeks and months as we endeavor to improve the physical activity for all in our school community.
Active Schools Flag Commences with:
1. P.E. Homework: As part of the ASF application process teachers have begun to assign Physical Education homework to pupils once a week. Children are encouraged to complete a number of activities which include – jumping Jacks, balancing bean bags, bouncing balls, stand/hop on one leg, skip, jog on the spot, walk imaginary tightrope, dance to music, play hide and go seek with family members to mention but a few assignments.
2. Run to Cork: The pupils are also running the distance from Dublin to Cork over the following two weeks. Each day the classes are timetabled to run specified distances. These daily totals will be added together until the boys and girls have run a grand total of 250 kms. On Tuesday next 29th January the local Community Gardaí are going to call in to our school to support the children and encourage their efforts to reach the amazing distance of over 250 kms without leaving Coolock.
3. 10km Challenge: The teaching staff has decided to challenge their minds and bodies by taking part in a gruesome 10 km challenge on Sunday 3rd February in Killruddery Estate, Bray, Co. Wicklow. The 10 km run – through rough terrain, over & under huge obstacles – is unique in commanding endurance beyond belief! The teachers are currently in training. As well as supporting the children as they strive to achieve their first Active Flag the staff have also decided to raise funds for Saint Francis Hospice in Raheny. Collections will take place during the week beginning Monday 28th January.
Good luck to everyone involved!
