WELLNESS COMMITTEE
It is already another school year and how time flies! Welcome back to the 2008 -2009 school year. The wellness committee ended last school year by the successful completion of the last four modules namely: modules 5, 6, 7 and 8. This year we will be working on implementing and evaluating the actions recommended last year on all 8 modules. We plan to have our first meeting during the fall semester. The wellness committee would also like to welcome Ms. Harmon (Lunch room and extended care coordinator) to the team. At the end of each School year, in June, an evaluation report is sent to the Office of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Arlington for documentation and review.
Through the year, as we progress, updates will be available in the school clinic for your information.
In July 2006, federal law required all schools and institutions that participate in the 
USDA’s national school programs to develop and implement a wellness policy. Each diocesan school under the Office of Catholic Schools, which is referred to as “district”, has adopted or formulated as well as implemented a wellness policy within their school. The goal of the wellness policy is to provide student health and fitness by developing a school environment that allows for healthy lifestyle and good nutritional choices.
Our Lady of Hope Catholic School has in place since the beginning of the school year, (2006-2007) a School Health Index (SHI) committee whose members meet periodically to work on the school wellness policy. The SHI committee is made up of the Principal, the Physical Education teacher, the school food service manager, an INOVA health prevention specialist (community rep), a teacher representative, a member of the student government, a member of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the School Nurse (SHI coordinator). So far we have implemented some changes to the dietary needs of our students, and paid extra attention to our safety policies. Next school year, we plan to implement more changes as identified by the SHI committee which will bring us closer to attaining our goals. We must remember that this is an on going process and that we must be patient as it is always difficult for everyone to adjust to change. However, with the assistance and cooperation of the students, parents and administrators, we hope that the transitions will be smooth. The modules/ areas which the SHI committee is working on are as follows:
These modules are as follows:
- Module 1: School Health and Safety Policies and Environment
- Module 2: Health Education
- Module 3: Physical Education and Other Activity Programs
- Module 4: Nutrition Services
- Module 5: School Health Services
- Module 6: School Counseling, Psychological and Social Services
- Module 7: Health Promotion for staff
- Module 8: Family and Community Involvement
