Health Education
- More than half of Victorian students have an unhealthy lunchbox.
- Less than a quarter of children eat enough vegetables.
- Over 30 percent of children ‘do not’ eat two pieces of fruit per day.
- Children are now 3 and a half times more likely to be in front of a computer or television screen after school rather than playing sport.
We want the children at Lilydale West to lead happy, healthy and full lives, therefore, Jo Braden and myself are leading the staff at Lilydale West to improve the healthy eating knowledge and habits of the children. Recently we were successful in applying for a grant, which means that we have $6000 to spend to assist with the implementation of a range of programs and initiatives.
The work that we will do is structured around a government initiative called the ‘Go For Your Life Award Program.’ This program promotes ‘six healthy messages’ designed to improve the health of Victorian children aged between 0 and 12, by encouraging healthy eating and physical activity every day. Over the year we will be introducing the 6 different healthy messages across the school, via the newsletter, at assembly, and through a range of other mediums. Many of the students in Level 4 will be involved in this drive, assisting to spread the word and provide positive role models to the other students. Our major focus will be on educating the children and the school community about the importance of a healthy lunchbox and ways to achieve this.
Along with the amazing work that has been done with the vegetable/herb garden and cooking program we have:
- Worked with the Out of School Hours Care program staff to come up with a menu that has a higher nutritious value, but at the same time is popular with the children. The OSHC staff have done a fantastic job, and the children have reacted positively to the changes.
- Removed a number of packaged, confectionary items from the canteen menu, which ensures that we are compliant with government regulations. At present we are working with the Canteen Manager to replace these items with snack foods that are better for the children.
- Replaced food rewards in the classroom for good work and behaviour, with non-food incentive programs.
- Encouraged the eating of fruit such as apples with the purchasing of an apple coring/slinky machine for each Level in the school.
We would greatly appreciate the support of the school community in our quest to improve the overall healthy habits of the children. The response to the schools sustainability programs has been outstanding! If we can match this, then the sky is the limit.
Click on the links below for some useful information:
► Healthy Eating Schools Informative Presentation
► Parent Handout - limit sweet drinks
► Parent Handout - healthy lunchboxes
► Parent Handout - try it and you may like it
► Parent Handout - 28 ways to be an active family
Scott Clarke
Physical Education & Sport Coordinator
