Olympic gold medal winner praises and raises active school flag
By Maurice Garvey
FORMER Olympic Gold medal winner Michael Carruth was on hand to raise a first active schools flag for Our Lady of Good Counsel Boys’ National School in Drimnagh on Tuesday, June 5, reports Maurice Garvey.
According to Principal Aidan Knight, the school community worked hard for over a year to get the flag – awarded to schools who increase physical activity, physical education and partnerships with sporting organisations.
Olympian Michael Carruth along with pupils and teachers of Our Lady of Good Counsel Boys National School
Our Lady’s introduced initiatives such as Movement Mondays, running club, Wake-up Wednesday, Football free Friday, Active lines and PE homework.
Mr Knight said: “All teachers took part in extra training in the area of dance to enhance the teaching and learning of that part of the curriculum, as well as engaging in after-school meetings to share ideas and knowledge on other areas of the curriculum.
An audit was taken of all PE equipment and new equipment purchased as necessary.”
The Mourne Road school developed partnerships with organisations such as the GAA, FAI, Basketball Ireland, Leinster Rugby, Dublin City Council boxing, which were maintained and enhanced through visiting coaches and upskilling of teachers.
The Active schools committee did a lot of behind the scenes work, whilst parents were also highly involved, taking part in meetings, surveys and an after-school club.
Mr Knight continued: “Lots of schools apply for the flag each year and many don’t make the cut. Along with a lengthy application process, the schools are assessed by an accreditor who spends half a day in the school to see if the school is worthy of the flag.
“Our Lady of Good Counsel BNS were highly commended, with the accreditor noting the many activities going on in the school and how engaged all staff, students and parents were in the process. A truly proud day for the school.”
