Healthy Schools Awards

Welcome to the Healthy Schools Programme!

The Government of Bermuda’s Healthy Schools programme, led by the Department of Health, is committed to promoting a culture of wellness within our island’s schools. Each year, schools demonstrating excellence in healthy eating, physical activity, and overall well-being are celebrated at the Annual Healthy Schools Awards Ceremony. This prestigious event honors public, private, and preschool institutions that have prioritized student and staff wellness by meeting this year’s selected health components.

Recognizing Wellness Excellence

Schools participating in the Healthy Schools programme showcase their commitment to a healthier environment by aligning with four main Components of Health:

  1. Physical Environment – Fostering safe, supportive, and health-conscious school settings.
  2. Physical Education & Physical Activity – Providing opportunities for students to be active throughout the school day.
  3. Health Education – Teaching essential health concepts across all school levels.
  4. Social and Emotional Environment – Supporting positive relationships and mental well-being among students and staff.

Celebrating the Journey: Health for Success Accomplishments

Since its inception, the Healthy Schools initiative has built a legacy of impactful health policies and school wellness programs. Here’s a timeline of key milestones:

  • 1991-1994: Under the guidance of Dr. Mark Coulby, the Health for Success committee was formed, strengthening partnerships with schools to address health topics like violence prevention and mental health.
  • 1994-1998: With leadership from Mrs. Betsy Baillie and public health nutritionists, a School Nutrition Policy was developed, and a structured Public School Health Education Curriculum was created to ensure consistent, age-appropriate health education.
  • 1999-2004: Former committee nurses Lovette Lovell and Lynn Jackson coordinated early childhood health initiatives, launching Preschool Nutrition Policies and establishing an annual health assessment for 5-year-olds. During this time, the Teen Wellness Assessment was also introduced to capture health data for middle and senior school students.

One of the standout programs developed during this period was the Nutrition Incentives Initiative in partnership with the Bermuda Diabetes Association, which rewards schools for leading nutrition and physical activity projects.

Program Successes and Community Partnerships

Healthy Schools has also driven initiatives like Bermuda’s first school breakfast program at Francis Patton Primary, backed by MarketPlace and the Continental Society, along with enhanced P.E. and afterschool programs through the Department of Youth & Sport. These programs emphasize the role of nutrition, physical activity, and social well-being in supporting students' academic and personal success.

A Unified Goal for Health and Success

Through the Healthy Schools programme, the Departments of Education and Health work together to ensure every student thrives in a school environment that prioritizes well-being. These efforts cultivate a culture of health and resilience that extends beyond the classroom and benefits the whole community. Join us in celebrating the strides made and in supporting the future of Bermuda’s youth through health and wellness.

For more information on the Healthy Schools programme and the Annual Awards Ceremony, please contact us at the Department of Health or visit our website at www.health.gov.bm

Together, we’re building a healthier future!

Healthy Schools Awards 2024

 

2023-2024 GOLD AWARD Schools

We wish to recognise formally the preschools and schools that demonstrated their outstanding health promotion in the four components including, nutrition environment and services; family engagement; counselling, psychological, and social services; and employee wellness. 

  1. Prospect Preschool 
  2. Dalton E. Tucker Primary
  3. Francis Patton Primary
  4. Gilbert Institute
  5. Victor Scott Primary
  6. West End Primary
  7. CedarBridge Academy
  8. The Berkeley Institute
 
2023-2024 Special Recognition Certificate Schools

These Healthy Schools Special Recognition Certificates are being given to the three (3) schools that promoted the Healthy Schools Components of Health by targeting at least one component each month, highlighting it in weekly assemblies, and encouraging students and staff to participate in relevant activities throughout the week. 

  1. St. George’s Preparatory School
  2. West End Primary
  3. West Pembroke Primary
 
2023-2024 Health Champion Certificate Recipients

These Healthy Schools Health Champion Certificates are being given to school Health Champions who were key in consistently promoting health to students and staff throughout last school year and collecting health-related data. 

  1. Mrs. Melanie Burrows, CedarBridge Academy
  2. Mr. David Campbell, St. George’s Preparatory School 
  3. Mrs. Pauline DeShields, Prospect Preschool
  4. Mr. Todd Fox, Francis Patton Primary
  5. Mrs. Theslyn Martin, CedarBridge
  6. Mrs. Francine McMahon, West Pembroke Primary
  7. Mr. Shaun Philpott, West End Primary
  8. Mrs. Jana Pitcher, Gilbert Institute
  9. Mrs. Tiannia Symonds, The Berkeley Institute
  10. Mr. Gabriel Wilkinson, Dalton E. Tucker Primary
  11. Mrs. Alana Wilson, Prospect Preschool

 

2023-2024 Public Officer Special Recognition Certificate Recipients

For working tirelessly with schools to ensure the safety and health of students and staff, Healthy Schools Special Recognition Certificates are being given to Officers from the Department of Education and Department of Health. The School Nurses had a successful school year with students by conducting 5-year-old school health objectives. They were able to obtain a 96% screening rate for the entire 5 year-old-cohort and 100% of School health assessments were offered to all public schools. 

Department of Education: 

  1. Mrs. Sherri-Lee Bucci, Assistant Director Early Childhood 
  2. Mr. Dwayne Caisey, Facilities Manager 
  3. Mr. Arnold Manders, Curriculum Officer for Health and P.E.

Department of Health:

  1. Mrs. Marissa Brangman, Speech-Language Pathologist
  2. Ms. Patrice Brown, Occupational Therapist
  3. Mrs. Julie Burrows, Speech-Language Pathologist
  4. Mrs. Kelly Crampton, School Nurse
  5. Ms. Mia Daniels, Physiotherapist
  6. Ms. Angela DeRoza, Occupational Therapist
  7. Dr. Pashé Douglas-Sampson, Occupational Therapist
  8. Mrs. Shirle Hassell, Physiotherapist
  9. Ms. Cymone Hollis, Public Health Nutritionist
  10. Ms. Akilah Lapsley-Dyer, Occupational Therapist
  11. Mrs. Tina Martin-James, School Nurse
  12. Mrs. Allison Maycock, School Nurse
  13. Ms. Channa McGowan, School Nurse
  14. Ms. Anubhooti Nagar, Speech-Language Pathologist 
  15. Mrs. Healther O’Connell, School Nurse
  16. Mrs. Gail Parker, Physiotherapist
  17. Mrs. Tanika Rayner, Occupational Therapist
  18. Ms. Sudan Reid, Physiotherapist
  19. Mrs. Jennifer Robinson, Child Health Coordinator
  20. Ms. Rochée Saltus, School Nurse 
  21. Ms. Holly Sinclair, Occupational Therapist
  22. Mrs. Shawnette Simons-Smith, Coordinator of Speech-Language Services
  23. Ms. Erinn Smith, School Nurse
  24. Ms. Sally Teixeira, Physiotherapist
  25. Mrs. Teresa Woolridge, Coordinator of Community Rehabilitation
  26. Ms. Florence Worboys, Occupational Therapist
  27. Mrs. Mellonie Furbert, Registered Dietitian, Service Provider

 

2023-2024 Health Promotion Certificate Recipients

For demonstrating exceptional work throughout the 2023-2024 school year in promoting health and wellness in their assigned schools and ensuring a healthy school environment, two Officers from the Department of Health will receive the Healthy Schools Health Promotion Certificate. 

  1. Mrs. Kelly Crampton, School Nurse
  2. Mrs. Tina Martin-James, School Nurse

 

Click here to view the 2023 Healthy School Awards recipients.