School News

Healthy Eating at WPSC

In Food Technology and Health classes, students learn about the importance of good nutrition and how to plan a healthy diet. Unfortunately, in Australia today, we have rising rates of childhood and youth obesity. We also know that many diseases of later life are caused by a history of poor nutrition. Contributing factors include excess salt, sugar, fat and kilojoules as well as low fibre intake.

As a result, students are taught the importance of consuming plenty of wholegrain cereals, fresh vegetables and fruit along with smaller amounts of low fat dairy foods and lean meat. Foods high in fat, sugar or salt should be seen as treats and eaten in minimal amounts. These include foods such as pastries, cakes, biscuits, fried foods, soft drinks and lollies.

At our school we try to reflect these principles in any activities involving food. In particular, the foods consumed from our canteen can form a major part of student diets, so we aim to offer healthy options and minimise other selections. To simplify this for students, foods are colour coded. RED foods are those to eat 1-2 times per term, AMBER FOODS provide some nutrition but also need to be limited. GREEN FOODS are the healthy options that should be chosen most.

A colour coded menu is displayed at the canteen (and available to view on our website) so students can become more aware of their food choices.

Hopefully this system assists our students to consume a balanced, healthy diet.

If you have any suggestions, questions or concerns about our canteen menu please feel free to contact the school.                                                            Sue Dickson

(Health & Food Technology Teacher)                                    

WAKAKIRRI PRODUCTION

On Tuesday 31st July, 50 eager students and 5 staff travelled to Bendigo’s beautiful “Ulumbarra Theatre” (prison turned theatre) to perform in the national event. There were many rules and boundaries to consider when creating the piece and WPSC delivered a wonderful performance based on Alice in Wonderland, with our own spin to the story. Our school won “Best Tshirt Design” and  “Best Hair and Make up” awards, as well as a participation award.  We had an artist in residence who guided us through the process, Melissa Keenan. It was wonderful to have her assistance. The Wakakirri event was held in Bendigo for the first time and we were invited to participate. This was an alternative to doing a school production this year and the students and staff only collaborated across one term to put something together. Rehearsals took place every Friday lunch time and many in the group have formed new friendships. A huge congratulations to the Cast, Backstage Crew, Make-up Crew and Teachers involved in Wakakirri. You all did an incredible job!

We are looking forward to our celebration on Friday this week (10th August) with a High Tea / Tea Party of our own! This will be held in the staffroom during RAPS. All students are asked to bring some food to share. We will also be giving out some awards - congratulations to all involved!!