Blackheath Public School is one of 18 schools in the Blue Mountains to receive a visit from Life Education NSW and its mascot Healthy Harold the giraffe this year.
More than 340 students from kindy to year 6 learned about topics including cyber-safety, food and nutrition, personal safety, and drug and alcohol education.
Principal of Blackheath Public School, Jane Davies, said the school has a big focus on health, safety and wellbeing and are working hard to ensure students are resilient.
“The Life Education program puts students in situations where they need to make decisions, solve problems and interact with others to find the best possible outcome in a situation related to their wellbeing,” Ms Davies said.
“The programs are a unique experience for children and a fun and informative way to enrich the messages already covered in the school curriculum.
“The students really loved their lessons with Healthy Harold and the Life Education van, and in particular enjoyed the cyber-safety component of the program.”
Local educator Taryn Chandler said it was a pleasure to be working with such enthusiastic and engaged learners.
“Healthy Harold and I were delighted to return to Blackheath Public School, and received the warmest of welcomes from staff and students alike. We look forward to coming back next year.”
The Life Education programs cater to all ages and stages – including a focused secondary program - engaging children in an age-appropriate learning experiences around a range of topics including: friendship; nutrition; resilience; peer pressure; cyber-safety; bullying; drugs; alcohol; safe use of medications and smoking.
Life Education NSW is the only mobile health provider to visit every local government area and geographic region in the state. The ultimate aim is to make these programs available to every child, and support every classroom teacher, across NSW; no matter how small or remote the location.
Parents can advocate for a visit from Life Education NSW by talking to their school or P&C about the benefits of organising a visit from Healthy Harold and the Life Education Mobile Learning Centre.
Life Education NSW is currently taking bookings. To find out more go to www.lifeeducation.org.au or ring 1300 HAROLD (1300 427 653).
