Motueka South School takes up challenge
Motueka South School saw red this week as they launch the Autumn Challenge.
MSS principal Michael Harrison said the junior school literally kicked off the campaign with a game of soccer with red balls before adding spinach to their edible garden.
MSS was one of 26 schools across the top of the south, including six in the Motueka area, to receive the balls and seeds as part of the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board’s public education campaign.
Each student at the schools received a red bag, red sweat band, red recipes and a packet of seeds to grow at home.
Mr Harrison said the school was happy to take up the Autumn Challenge as it complemented the school’s policy on nutrition and physical activiy.
“While numeracy and literacy are essential in education, our other major focus is to provide opportunities for children to learn skills to help them develop in the well-rounded adults,” he said.
“MSS encourages students to be active during break times … and our staff work along-side students in our edible garden.
“The Autumn Challenge taps into this, and provides fun, low-cost ideas of how to get active and eat well.”
NMDHB Primary and Community general manager Peter Burton said the Autumn Challenge was designed to help locals get the most out of the changing seasons.
“As Summer fades away produce and daylight thin out, making it harder to get our daily quota of veggies and exercise,” Mr Burton said.
“We’ve designed the Autumn Challenge to inspire local families to take the healthier option.
“Here’s a bunch of fun things to do, that won’t cost a lot of money, but can have real benefits for your family.”
Mr Harrison said the launch would be about having fun.
“The launch is about continuing to promote physical activity and developing team work while having fun,” he said.
