Term three can be traditionally quite wet; so the staff decided that it would be a great opportunity to focus on nutrition. Energizer Gina Harris has been working with Te Puna, Te Awa and Te Rangi and teaching them about the Four Food Groups, Sugary Drinks, Breakfasts and Takeaways.

Each session has been well received by both students and staff, with teachers doing follow up activities with the students to further develop learning in this area.

Matua Jarrod decided to use the superfood of porridge to teach measurement following the Four Food Groups session. Students had already learnt that porridge is a GO food as it gives us energy. It is also an ‘everyday’ choice along with Weet-bix when it comes to breakfast cereals.

“Porridge is so cheap and filling and can be made delicious by adding your own toppings” explains Matua Jarrod. He gathered up all the ingredients they needed, including bananas, cinnamon, nutmeg and grated apple.

The children made porridge in the school kitchen in groups of four, to ensure they each had a hands on experience. “There was no added sugar and everyone liked it. Using cooking to teach other areas of learning is great, the children loved the end product and eating something afterwards” says Jarrod.

The children in Te Rangi also prepared stuffed kumara and sushi to sell at the Eastern Zones Cross Country event, which Peria School hosts every year. The families of the school donated the kumara leading up to the event. A total of 40 kumara, stuffed with onion, creamed corn and cheese were sold on the day, making a profit of $160 for the school. Parents and staff from other schools were very impressed and it sparked motivation for other schools to give it a go also. “It’s nice to have something warm and nutritious on offer” adds Mr Shaw, who demolished his.

The children enjoyed making the stuffed kumara and want to give it a go at home with their whanau, it’s that easy! “They’re so easy and delicious” says Tamara, as she tests the filling to make sure there’s enough seasoning.