The Active Schools model in Wairoa is unique as it works with all it's schools, not just a select few. 

The Active Schools Facilitator in Wairoa supports schools from Mahia to Putorino, and inland as far as Waikaremoana - all up 16 schools!  With support from Sport Hawkes Bay, these schools are working towards creating sustainable strategies to create a school community culture that promotes physical activity. This supports the Active Schools philosophy which is underpinned by three key messages.

• An active School provides child-centered physical activity.
• An active school takes ownership to sustain and active environment and programmes that enhance physical activity.
• An active school is part of and contributes to and active community.

By maximizing physical activity opportunities for children before, during and after school, we are contributing to a child’s learning ability along with their health and well being. Not to mention creating choices for children to enjoy and choose to be physically active.

The role of the Active Schools Facilitator in Wairoa is to:

• Support staff and the community to provide quality physical activity opportunities - so we have more children choosing and enjoying being active throughout the day. 
• Provide support for teachers to improve the quality of their physical activity programmes across the entire curriculum, not just physical education
• Encourage access to a wide range of resources
  

The Active Schools project also links into Fruit in Schools and Health Promoting Schools, to create a consistent message to children and staff alike.

For more information on the Active Schools project in Wairoa, please contact John Hutchison, Active Schools Facilitator - Wairoa on 06 838 3086 or e-mail johnh@sporthb.net.nz