PROVIDENCE – Train, fire and bike safety were all on the menu at the Bishop McVinney School Health and Safety Fair May 22.
The lower floor of St. Michael’s Church in Providence was brimming with projects researched and completed by more than 70 students on display for most of the day.
School nurse and fair coordinator Nora Thurber indicated the importance of studying and understanding basic health and safety concepts.
“This program starts early in the year. As part of the program speakers are presented from all areas of health and safety,” Thurber said. “From those sessions the students must pick a topic to research and prepare a project specifically for this fair.”
This years fair highlighted the topics of dangerous weather, fire, steroids, poison control, pet awareness and child abuse, among others. Linda Lin and Pamela Espinal prepared a comprehensive presentation regarding train safety. Eager to share their new knowledge, Lin indicated the importance of being aware of the dangers of train tracks. “Never go near train tracks. You can be hit by a train, or electrocuted, or hit by a flying object.”
“Yes!” agreed Espinal. “They can be extremely hazardous.”
Students also enjoyed a musical performance by James McBride appearing as “Mr. B. Positivity.” McBride has composed and recorded several musical albums regarding health and safety.
“I enjoy going around to various schools to teach about health and safety but, it is also a chance for me to learn from the students as well,” he said. This year his music is focusing on “the perils of bullying and how to handle bullies without getting hurt.”
