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Health Fayre 2013

'Switch It – Ditch It' was the theme for Dalziel High’s Annual Health Fayre of 2013

The idea was that pupils, parents and staff should think of ditching unhealthy habits in exchange for healthier ones. For example

 

  • Switch to fruit….Ditch sweets!
  • Switch to 5-a-day…….ditch the fries!
  • Switch your alarm ON………..ditch the lie-in!
  • Switch to walking or cycling……..ditch the car!
  • Switch to home cooking…..ditch the take-away!
  • Switch to exercise……ditch the couch potato lifestyle!
  • Switch to water…….ditch the fizzy drinks!
  • Switch Facebook, X-Box, and mobile phone OFF. Ditch the information overload and get more SLEEP!

In school, staff are only too aware of the growing number of pupils who are awake until the wee small hours playing X-box, chatting on Facebook or listening to music.
The minimum of 8 hours sleep they need to function is significantly reduced and as a result they struggle to stay awake in class, never mind concentrate and produce quality work.

In an effort to combat tiredness and/or as a quick-fix sugar rush, some pupils compound the problem by drinking large quantities of fizzy juice (eg Rockstar, Relentless) This is NOT good. Everyone needs rest, just as everyone needs exercise.
This is just one small example of unhealthy behaviour but given the recent statistics - released during the week about Britain having the worst life expectancy record in Europe - there can be no clearer message for us: we MUST do more to improve our Health.

The event was opened by Scottish Rocks Basketball Star Rona Corkindale with local Councillor Jim Logue, Convener of Learning and Leisure Services and a host of other guests in attendance. Councillor Logue gave a very passionate introduction about the importance attached to health and wellbeing in North Lanarkshire (a local authority with a very poor record of health issues) and it was clear he is well-versed in this particular topic.

The Assembly Hall had once again been transformed by Group Members Ann Walker and Catrina Allan with the posters drawn by the local feeder primaries contributing to the decoration. Prize winner for the front cover of the Health Fayre programme went to Lucy Baptie of Ladywell Primary. She was presented with a Waterstones voucher.

As always, the school is indebted to those organisations which provide exhibits and/or staff to man the stalls, each of which supplies a wealth of information on issues ranging from dental health care, 1st Aid, healthy food and drink options, nail and hair care, health and fitness testing (these last two stalls provided by Motherwell College).

Each class attends the event during classtime and one of their targets is to record their height, weight and peak flow. The information is recorded on the pupils own Health passport which is completed each year to gauge rate of growth.

Aside from the events in the Hall the school is a busy place at lunch hours with a variety of events held with a health and wellbeing focus. The ever-popular Beach Volleyball competition was another great success with David Greir and Jack Wedlock winning the boys competition and Holly Mackay and Kirstie Webb the girls.

Tuesday saw the Primary Sportshall competition between Knowetop, Ladywell, Glencairn and Muirhouse who were making their second trip to this event. With Mrs Dyett’s retirement last summer this event was under new ‘management’ with Mrs Bleach in charge. There was a difference as well in the make up of the teams as unfortunately the Health Fayre clashed with trips to Kilbowie for the P7 pupils of Glencairn and Knowetop. Their P6 classes were therefore enrolled to compete. But what a great event it was! There was plenty of noise, excitement and an abundance of talent at the event. Eventual and deserved winners were the pupils of Ladywell Primary and many congratulations to them and to the pupils of all the other primaries involved. A big thank you as well to the senior pupils who acted as judges, scorers and timekeepers. They did a magnificent job and made sure the event ran smoothly.

The Staff v Pupils Rowing competition was another keenly-anticipated event with the pupils determined to get their own back afer many years of being the bridesmaids. Sadly their best wasn’t good enough and it was another second place for the pupils - and again in BOTH boys and girls events. Mr Withey produced the best row, this a very creditable 620m. Not bad for a badminton player!

The Blood Transfusion Service has been an integral part of the Health Fayre for the last 17 years and this year there was cause for extra celebration as the 1,000th unit of blood was donated. The honour for this went to S6 pupil Gareth McPherson who was presented with a certificate to mark the occasion. There may have been only one certificate presented but of course there were many others who made their first donation, each one a hugely valuable contribution to blood stocks. A total of 70 units were collected, this the third highest total ever. It is a sobering thought, but a fact nonetheless, that donations of blood are made by just 5% of the population who are able to donate! As has been the case each year it is the school’s fervent hope that many pupils will be encouraged to become a regular donor. Many thanks to all those pupils, staff and parents who made the effort to do so and here’s to the next 1,000 units!

Thursday also saw the introduction of a new event, a netball competition involving the members and friends of the school’s netball club. There were 3 teams present and a keen competition ensued. The three captains, Alison McNeill, Anouchka Valaydon and Sarah McNaughton deserve credit for their efforts with Alison receiving the winners ‘trophy’ – a suitably healthy package of fruit!

And so as the Health Fayre exhibitors packed up on Thursday it was just Friday’s Yoga Day left. Each year group attended the Games Hall for a period of Yoga instruction and activity provided by NLC Fitness Motivators Roseann and Catriona. There were some very inelegant poses struck but all pupils made a very good effort in what is a taxing and difficult activity. Very many thanks to Rosanna and Catriona for their efforts – a large Games Hall, 180 pupils and very poor acoustics made things difficult but the Ladies coped admirably.

Friday lunch hour also saw the Bring-it-on Dance spectacular organised by Miss Campbell and with six pupil entries. Alternative entertainment came via the senior boys and the staff entry. Congratulations to the winners Charlotte Bose, Catriona Robertson and Jennifer Winter. Thanks to judges Graham Shaw, Catrina Allan and Mr Marc Fleming. This is a very popular charity event attended by what seemed like half the school population. The pay-at-the-door donation raised a welcome £162.81 total. And so another year ends ….but it’s not long until planning will be under way as next year marks another important milestone - Dalziel’s 20th Anniversary Health Fayre

To view photos of the Health Fayre 2013, click Here

To view photos of the "Bring it On" Dance Spectacular, click Here