Nutrition Policy

At Brechin, we believe that sound and healthy nutritional practices and school success are closely linked. To this end, our SPC, PAC and school staff has worked cooperatively to create the following Nutritional Policy, keeping in mind the overriding policy of the School District.

School District #68 Policy on Nutrition Education States:

A. Preface

The Board of School Trustees believes it has a shared responsibility with parents/guardians and the community to ensure that students develop healthy lifestyles that include a focus on healthy nutrition. Healthy, well-nourished children are more prepared to learn, more likely to attend class and are better able to take advantage of educational opportunities. The school has an important role to play in improving the health of Canadians by reinforcing sound nutrition principles both through its provision of food and education programs.

As stated in the Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in B.C. Schools:

• Good nutrition can promote brain development; increase immune function; raise self-esteem; reduce anxiety, depression and hyperactivity; increase attendance; increase cognitive development; and reduce the risk of health problems such as those associated with obesity.
  
• Schools’ practice concerning nutrition must be consistent with the Province’s goal to eliminate the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages in BC schools by 2009. Positive nutrition must begin in early childhood when lifelong habits and attitudes are being formed. It must be reinforced throughout the school years. The Board believes that where food and beverage products are offered for sale during the school day, and at school-related functions, schools will refer to the Guidelines for Food and Beverage Sales in B.C. Schools.

The Objectives of the School District Policy are:

1. Nutrition education should be a cooperative effort between home and school with practice reinforcing theory.
2. Nutrition education in schools should encourage a positive attitude towards nutritious eating and thereby play an important role towards preventative health care.
3. Teachers are encouraged to integrate nutrition and health information into the curriculum.
4. Nutrition education in schools should prepare students as consumers, to make informed choices.

At Brechin we are adding the following objectives as well:

5. Students will be encouraged to drink water as a way of staying hydrated during the school day. Only drinking containers containing PLAIN WATER will be permitted on school desks during instructional times.
6. Students wishing hot meals will bring their items PRE-HEATED in thermoses. There is no access to microwaves for students.
7. Chips, pop, candy (including chocolate bars), and gum are seen as treats and are not part of our healthy lifestyle at Brechin. Students will be asked to put these items away if they are brought to school. Please keep this in mind when packing snacks/lunch items for your child(ren). Exceptions may be made on special occasions.

We will work cooperatively with our students, parents and community to help teach and reinforce our Nutrition Policy.