Waikanae School challenged students and parents to commit to healthy habits by adopting a Rotary program called Healthy Heroes 

The Te Aramoana syndicate (about 120 students) have incorporated the nine week programme of 5 daily challenges, into their term 3 and 4 curriculum.

The goal of the programme is to build five habits for life: regular physical activity, healthy eating, adequate sleep, a lively mind and concern for others.

Points are scored and achievements are being recognised during the 9 weeks with completion certificates and tee shirts being awarded at the end

Rotary spokesman Robert Nugent said the Waikanae Rotary Club approached the school to run the programme again this year having first run it in 2015.  “Rotary’s role is to provide assistance to implement the programme including workbooks, certificates, tee shirts and other incentive prizes for the participating students.”

Syndicate teacher Paul Hammond is the driving force behind running it at Waikanae, he said. Mr Nugent said the programme had the effect of spreading to the whole family of a student taking part, as the healthy habits are committed to by the parents and made a part of a family’s routine.

Waikanae Rotary Club president Steve Botica said the club is committed to running this successful and proven programme within the school

“We see a real benefit for the kids and parents and it fits very nicely with Rotary’s philosophy and focus on youth”.