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:
- Physical Environment – Fostering safe, supportive, and health-conscious school settings.
- Physical Education & Physical Activity – Providing opportunities for students to be active throughout the school day.
- Health Education – Teaching essential health concepts across all school levels.
- 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.
- Prospect Preschool
- Dalton E. Tucker Primary
- Francis Patton Primary
- Gilbert Institute
- Victor Scott Primary
- West End Primary
- CedarBridge Academy
- 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.
- St. George’s Preparatory School
- West End Primary
- 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.
- Mrs. Melanie Burrows, CedarBridge Academy
- Mr. David Campbell, St. George’s Preparatory School
- Mrs. Pauline DeShields, Prospect Preschool
- Mr. Todd Fox, Francis Patton Primary
- Mrs. Theslyn Martin, CedarBridge
- Mrs. Francine McMahon, West Pembroke Primary
- Mr. Shaun Philpott, West End Primary
- Mrs. Jana Pitcher, Gilbert Institute
- Mrs. Tiannia Symonds, The Berkeley Institute
- Mr. Gabriel Wilkinson, Dalton E. Tucker Primary
- 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:
- Mrs. Sherri-Lee Bucci, Assistant Director Early Childhood
- Mr. Dwayne Caisey, Facilities Manager
- Mr. Arnold Manders, Curriculum Officer for Health and P.E.
Department of Health:
- Mrs. Marissa Brangman, Speech-Language Pathologist
- Ms. Patrice Brown, Occupational Therapist
- Mrs. Julie Burrows, Speech-Language Pathologist
- Mrs. Kelly Crampton, School Nurse
- Ms. Mia Daniels, Physiotherapist
- Ms. Angela DeRoza, Occupational Therapist
- Dr. Pashé Douglas-Sampson, Occupational Therapist
- Mrs. Shirle Hassell, Physiotherapist
- Ms. Cymone Hollis, Public Health Nutritionist
- Ms. Akilah Lapsley-Dyer, Occupational Therapist
- Mrs. Tina Martin-James, School Nurse
- Mrs. Allison Maycock, School Nurse
- Ms. Channa McGowan, School Nurse
- Ms. Anubhooti Nagar, Speech-Language Pathologist
- Mrs. Healther O’Connell, School Nurse
- Mrs. Gail Parker, Physiotherapist
- Mrs. Tanika Rayner, Occupational Therapist
- Ms. Sudan Reid, Physiotherapist
- Mrs. Jennifer Robinson, Child Health Coordinator
- Ms. Rochée Saltus, School Nurse
- Ms. Holly Sinclair, Occupational Therapist
- Mrs. Shawnette Simons-Smith, Coordinator of Speech-Language Services
- Ms. Erinn Smith, School Nurse
- Ms. Sally Teixeira, Physiotherapist
- Mrs. Teresa Woolridge, Coordinator of Community Rehabilitation
- Ms. Florence Worboys, Occupational Therapist
- 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.
- Mrs. Kelly Crampton, School Nurse
- Mrs. Tina Martin-James, School Nurse
Click here to view the 2023 Healthy School Awards recipients.