St Ignatius College's Boys' Secondary, Tal-Ħandaq, placed first in a competition L'Italiano in piazza, organised by the Italian Embassy in conjunction with the Education Ministry earlier this year. The €400 prize money will be invested in resources and materials to further improve the teaching of Italian at the school.

Healthy eating

Stella Maris College, Gżira organised a healthy eating week in the senior school section as part of its Help policy, in order to promote healthier habits amongst all the students. A Home Economics teacher also gave talks about nutrition focusing on the importance of a balanced diet and embarking on a healthy lifestyle from an early age.

Fighting obesity

St Bernadette Primary B, San Ġwann, recently held an open day for parents, education officials and dignitaries as part of its project 'Together we grow: The smart healthy way' which this year is focusing on ways to fight obesity and promote healthy habits. Teachers have been supplied with a colurful handbook and an interactive CD produced specifically for the school.

Happy voices

St Francis School, Birkirkara, has launched a new CD called Ilħna Ferrieħa 2, with 12 new Christmas songs by the school choir.

Fr Karm Debattista, MSSP, wrote two of the songs' lyrics while the others are by Mario and Magdalen Cucciardi. Andrew Zammit made the musical arrangements. For details call 2144 2205 or view the website www.stfrancisschoolbkara.com.

Educational flight

St Clare College recently organised an educational 90-minute sightseeing flight to Stromboli Island, Reggio di Calabria, Sicily, and around the Maltese islands for 168 children at the primary schools of San Ġwann, Gżira, Sliema, St Julian's, and students from Pembroke Girls' Secondary School and the Minor Seminary.