National School Moves Day commemorated at Jamaica College
April 15, 2025
KINGSTON, Jamaica. Monday, April 14, 2025: Schools across the island came alive last Friday, April 11, 2025, in celebration of National School Moves Day, a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Health & Wellness’ Jamaica Moves in Schools Programme.
The day was officially commemorated at Jamaica College, which hosted a dynamic and engaging event attended by select schools representing various education regions of Jamaica. Participating schools included Golden Grove Primary and Infant, Beulah Primary, Donald Quarrie High, Norman Manley High, Mavis Bank High, Titus Golding High, St. Hugh’s High, and St. George’s College, among others.
The event brought together students, educators, and government representatives in a united effort to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles within the school community.
The day featured a variety of movement-based activities, including football matches and skill drills; dance fitness and aerobics sessions; obstacle courses and relay races; as well as skipping competitions and shuttle relay.
Also on show were cheer routines and rhythmic movement displays; hydration stations; and healthy food sampling stations.
A highlight came during the keynote address delivered on behalf of Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP, Minister of Health and Wellness by Dr. Simone Spence, Director of Health Promotion & Protection at the Ministry.
Dr. Spence reinforced the importance of daily movement while also actively engaging students in a lively demonstration that showed how music can be used to enhance physical activity and learning.
“National School Moves Day is not just a celebration, it is a call to action. Today shows what’s possible when we prioritise movement and wellness in education. We encourage schools to take this momentum forward and to make physical activity a consistent part of their students’ learning experience,” Dr. Spence noted.
The interactive session was well received, as students showcased their ability to blend rhythm, movement and education in fun and effective ways.
In addition to the national event at Jamaica College, schools across Jamaica hosted their own commemorative activities on their campuses, demonstrating widespread participation and enthusiasm for the movement.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information, continues to urge all schools to go beyond this annual observance and integrate physical activity into lesson plans, classroom routines, and the overall school culture, ensuring that health and wellness become everyday priorities for Jamaica’s students.