Students, staff and community members at Harbour View School are busy being their best on Fit Friday's, thanks to a Health Promoting School grant. 
                                          
This project was designed to increase physical activity levels and help all participants become more aware of the benefits of healthy eating and exercise. Before they set out for a walk, the whole school community gathers in the gym to discuss the benefits of exercise and the importance of healthy eating.

The 40-minute walk begins on Fridays in September to coincide with the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope and continues through October. In May and June the group starts up again depending on the weather. 
                                   
The students leave the school, single file, led by a large banner announcing the arrival of the "Super Bees". Along the route Physical Education Teacher Louise Sutherland's "Route Car" escorts the trail of students offering words of encouragement through her portable loud speaker. During the walks, the area's HRM police officer often drops by for a quick hello. 
                               

"It is a wonderful feeling to see our entire school population taking part in our walks. I am proud of all our students and their commitment to all of our physical activity programs,” Ms. Sutherland says.

After the walk, participants return to the school for a nutritious snack. On fine days, water and snacks are offered to students on the grass of the school yard. Older students help out with the snack distribution. 
                    

Vice Principal Lynn Mills says the project does more than just increase awareness about exercise and healthy eating; it creates a cooperative and enthusiastic spirit among students.

“Events like our Fit Friday's help to further support the strong sense of community and school spirit shared in our school,” she says. “I am also very proud to see our older students apply their leadership skills in such a positive and enthusiastic manner.”

During the walk the classes pair up so that older students have the opportunity to assist the younger children. Student Leaders are also responsible to hold the stop signs at each cross walk and help with the clean up, including composting banana peels and apple cores and recycling water bottles.

Harbour View is proud to have many members of the school community involved in this project, including 270 students, 35 staff members, family and friends. Fit Friday's are another example of how the Health Promoting School grants are being used in Halifax Regional School Board schools to help kids enjoy active, healthy lives. 

For more information about Health Promoting Schools, please contact Catherine Cole, Our Health School Leader, Halifax Regional School Board, ccole@hrsb.ns.ca and 464-2000 ext.4419.