Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Stuart Cain, Teacher:
“At Craigmore South Primary School, we set up our Crunch&Sip program, goes back to 2009,
I attended a session led by Leanne Rana, the health project officer,and it was really well
organised. There was expectations that each term an audit
to be done. I came back from that session introduced it at a staff meeting to the staff.
All the staff were enthusiastic, immediately all staff took the program on board. However
it wasn’t easy in some cases, for 100% participation.”
“We started off with probably 100% class participation with teachers monitoring, however
with the students it was about 65% and within a year it increased to 71 – 73%.”
“And we were happy. Although it was small, we were happy with the outcome.”
“At Craigmore South Primary School, to engage the parents probably the best strategy was
to have inserts in the newsletter and I would do that 2 or 3 times per term.
The inserts emphasised what was acceptable for Crunch&Sip - what was good and what wasn’t.,
and recipes so the parents and carers could have some fantastic ideas to put in the childrens
lunch boxes. It took a little while to move, but gradually the parents came on board.”
Student 1: “I like Crunch&Sip because it gives you
move energy and always go for 2 fruit and 5 veg.”
Student 2: “I like fresh fruit because its good for
our brains and it helps us get better when we’re learning.”
Teacher: “The benefits of Crunch&Sip are that the
children have improved concentration. Drinking water and fruit and veg every day
at a set time - we found at our school that concentration has improved, and we’re introducing
healthier choices. When the children go to the canteen we’ve
noticed them making healthier choices. It took a little while for the parents to
prepare and to remind the children as well as the teachers, however now each year has
got easier and the parents are sending some really fantastic ideas for the children to
eat….cherry tomatoes, strawberries, carrots, a much greater variety than we had initially.”