Spotlight: New HPSD procedure a good step
Theresa Seraphim
for Spotlight
A new High Prairie School Division administrative procedure called Healthy School Communities, which will hopefully be implemented in September, is a great idea.
The procedure rests on four pillars: partnerships, physical education, mental well-being and healthier eating.
The latter pillar is the one which has created the most interest, for obvious reasons.
We’ve all heard the news stories about the increase in child obesity and the decrease in activity, and the resulting increase in conditions such as diabetes. Anything that can help keep kids away from such diseases is more than worth it.
As HPSD deputy superintendent Margaret Hartman points out, the intent of the new procedure is not to police what parents send in their child’s lunch. Nor is it to stop students from hitting the vending machines or stores in order to get something to eat. One cannot force change on people.
The key, rather, lies in getting students to choose healthier foods for themselves. The first step in making change involves the person wanting to do it. The second step is putting one’s foot forward (either literally or figuratively) to begin implementing the change. Here’s where making the change with someone else can help. For example, someone wanting to go for a daily walk would probably find that easier if there’s someone to walk with them, so that the walk is done and the person gets exercise. It’s also more fun than doing things alone.
Here’s where the HPSD procedure has an advantage. Whole schools can switch to healthier foods, beginning with offering healthier options in the cafeteria, and everyone can benefit. Again, students are not forced to eat these foods, but having them as an alternative sends a message to them that junk food, while easy to buy and consume, is only one option – and that there are better ones.
The change won’t happen overnight, but with education, students can begin to see those healthier foods as “cool” and, as the idea spreads, so will the good eating. The HPSD will also implement benchmarks for the program, to monitor its progress.
The benefits for students will be many: not only possible weight loss but, more importantly, greater alertness in class, leading to better grades. It’s a win/win situation for everyone.
The HPSD committee working on the new procedure is to be commended for its concern about our young people, and its efforts to help them. Hopefully, the philosophy behind the procedure will stick in the minds of students, parents and the public, and hopefully, this endeavour will have its effect not only on the current generation, but on all the (healthier) generations to come.
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