A Wyndham school has become the first in Victoria to receive an award as part of the state government’s Healthy Workplace Achievement Program.
The program, supported by Healthy Together Wyndham – a healthy-lifestyle initiative of the council – encourages workplaces to support better health for staff.
Wyndham mayor Bob Fairclough said Tarneit Senior College had been recognised for taking the initiative and making the school a healthier place to work.
“Tarneit Senior College and its teachers are now in a better position to set a healthy example to students and the broader school community,” Cr Fairclough said.
“I encourage all Wyndham schools to consider running the Healthy Workplaces Achievement Program. Supporting better health at work increases productivity, improves staff retention and reduces sick leave.”
The Tarneit college’s maths and science teacher, Brenda Prager, was the driving force behind the program being implemented at the school.
“I began by asking staff for their options on which of the five priority health areas of alcohol, healthy eating, mental health and wellbeing, physical activity, and smoking they wanted to focus on,” Ms Prager said.
“Since then, staff have decided they want more support at work to promote healthier eating and positive mental health and wellbeing.
“So we’ve introduced regular ‘chill-out’ get- togethers among the teachers and a mentoring program for new staff.”
More details at: healthycommunities@wyndham.vic.gov.au or call 9742 0777
