Hillmorton High School has launched their water only policy with a day of activities promoted by the students themselves.

The Hillmorton High School board and senior leadership agreed to go water only, including removing sugary drinks from their canteen after a draft policy was written by the school’s  Nutrition Council, but it was the Middle School Council which took on the challenge of promoting the move.

The students have been supported by Health Promoting Schools and Healthy Families Christchurch to come up with ways to promote the school’s choice to go water only and ensure the messages come from the students themselves.

The Middle School Council produced water bottles with the school logo which the pupils can purchase at minimal cost, they also created a water-facts quiz with water-related prizes up for grabs.

An ice sculpture in the shape of a water bottle was the centerpiece to activities in the school quad which also included chalk murals with a water theme as well as a water hydration station and fresh fruit available on the day.

They are also discussing writing a letter to local dairies in the area to see if they would be open to supporting the move before and after school.

The Middle School Council, made up of Year 7 to 10 pupils, was one of the keynote speakers at the Healthy Families Christchurch Water Hui on September 12.

The Hui was aimed at bringing health champions with a passion for water together to share their stories of success and look at ways of promoting the water-only initiative. Middle School Council presentation inspired the University of Canterbury and Ara to focus on enabling more student engagement in promoting water in their institutions.

Principal Ann Brokenshire says it is important the message of water comes from a student voice.

“We have a Middle School Council that is passionate about ensuring this is promoted with a student voice.

“Being Year 7 to 10 students, they are the ones who will be here in the years to come and can help make the water only approach normal.”

She also praised the Board’s proactive and forward-thinking approach.