Faculty News

Health and Physical Education

In what has been a long and grueling winter, spring finally has sprung! In a go-go term, there has been little opportunity to slow down and perhaps take a moment to reflect. Last week provided a timely opportunity to do exactly that.

National Health & Physical Education (HPE) Day was celebrated on Wednesday 7th September. It aims to highlight the importance of HPE and its influence on lifelong learning and the development of healthy behaviours. The Mazenod community plays an ongoing and critical role in teaching the benefits of leading an active and healthy lifestyle. Prioritising our physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health contributes to a strong level of health and wellbeing.

Thursday 8th September was R U OK? Day, designed to raise awareness on the importance of checking in on each other. Mental health and suicide prevention is a national priority, and it was fantastic to hear senior school leaders start the conversation on these topics during college assemblies.

With the 2021 National Drowning Report revealing an increase of drowning deaths by 20%, this year, swimming lessons were included for all Year 7, and for the first time, Year 8 classes. Following a structured program, the final lesson culminates with a focus on water safety, designed to replicate real life aquatic scenarios. Swimming is a sensational form of physical activity that strengthens your heart and lungs, and builds endurance and strength in your muscles, whilst taking stress off your joints. Below are some pictures of 8 Gavin improving the above components of their physical health. Working in smaller groups allowed students to build strong relationships with peers of similar swimming ability – great for social health.

Enjoy the term break and remember any physical activity is better than none. Look after your health and wellbeing and get moving this Spring!

Mr Josh Muling

Head of Health and Physical Education