Christchurch principal challenges schools to go water only

Christchurch principal makes a splash (literally!) and challenges schools to go water only

Chirstchurch maybe heading for a high of 28 degrees today, but Marriene Langton principal of West Spreydon School is in for a wet day.

At 1.30 pm this afternoon Monday 21 March, her students are going to dump a bucket of water over her head – and spray her with their water bottles.

Why?

“It’s my rather unusual take on the icebucket challenge,” says Marriene Langton. “But instead of raising awareness around Motor Neurone Disease… I’m joining Health Families Spreydon-Heathcote and challenging the other schools in our area to go water-only.”

From today the Ministries of Education and Health are encouraging all schools across New Zealand to get rid of sugary drinks and have a water-only policy.

Sugary drinks are one of the most significant causes of poor oral health and significantly contribute to childhood obesity and preventable chronic disease such as Type 2 diabetes. They can also contribute to tooth decay, problem behaviours and lower academic achievement.

Marriene Langton says West Spreydon School has had a water only policy in place for nearly a decade.

“We have a real focus on healthy eating and healthy living in our school and water is by far the healthiest option. There is no need for juice, fizzy or sugary drinks in schools and we encourage our students to drink water at home as well.”

Healthy Families Spreydon-Heathcote manager Tracey Tuhi says as well as improving educational outcomes, a water only policy helps makes schools healthier places to be.

“Healthy Families Spreydon-Heathcote supports good health in places where people in our ward spend their time, such as schools and workplaces. We have 26 schools in our ward and we’ll be talking to all of them about the educational and health benefits of having a water only policy,” says Miss Tuhi.

“Ultimately, the more schools that go water only, the healthier our communities will be.”

Healthy Families Spreydon-Heathcote aims to make good health easier and more accessible for people, by creating as many health promoting environments as possible in the places where people live, learn, work and play.

ENDS

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