St. Patrick’s Promotes Health and Fitness During Lockdown.

Principal Denis O’Donovan. His school provides encouragement for the physical and mental activity of its students based on the GAA Future Leaders initiative.

At the start of the new school term in January the teachers and students at St. Patrick’s Secondary School faced a period of remote teaching and learning.

“It was very important to focus our students on maintaining and improving their health and fitness during the term as they would be spending a large amount of their day in front of a screen,” said Principal Denis O’Donovan.

The school had embraced the spirit of the GAA Future Leaders initiative which involves participating in fun activities aimed at post primary students where several challenges are set each week.

Challenges are GAA Related

“The challenges are all GAA related but cater for many interests such as: fitness; history; nutrition; Art; IT skills and communication skills etc,” Mr. O’Donovan continued.

“Many of our students have taken part in a variety of activities from improving their football skills, doing 5km runs, preparing nutritious meals and snacks, creating a timeline of the history of their GAA club.

“Our Transition Year students have worked hard in creating some fun board games that are suitable for all ages to promote exercise in a fun way.

Students Embracing Activities

“We’re delighted with how our students have embraced and taken part in all these activities.

“Given that the current restrictions are set to remain in place for some weeks to come, and with no prospect of sporting activities for our young people, it is important to provide encouragement and a structure through which they can maintain their health and fitness.

We have set up an Instagram page #stpatsgaafutureleaders where our students can follow the great work being done.

Involvement Encouraged

“We will continue with this programme after the mid-term break and we would encourage all students and their families to get involved.

“Our health and fitness programme is coordinated by our PE teacher Patrick McCarthy who is also a Kerry Minor selector.

“Mr. McCarthy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the programme which is very important so that students develop and maintain their health and fitness in the right way,” Mr. O’Donovan concluded. 

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