A healthy habit takes shape

Kids can't resist a contest, and this was one way to add some spice to the mix. Each pupil receives a Fruittie Veggie Bites card from tuckshop vendors with each purchase of fruit or vegetables to go with their meal during recess. The pupils consolidate their cards and the class with the most cards wins a prize. "It can get very competitive," says Mrs Jalene Lim, Level Head of Science and Health Education, of the way the pupils encourage each other do their part in order to take the lead.

Classmates rally around their friends participating in the fruit sculpturing competition.

Judging by the long queues that formed at the canteen's fruit stall, the Fruittie Veggie Bites activities have jumpstarted a healthy appetite amongst the pupils for high fibre foods. Even other vendors have noticed a difference. "My vegetables are always sold out!" remarks Mdm Tan Sai Eng, who sells mixed cooked food. "This year especially, we've noticed the children are very good with eating vegetables and fruits. Even without this card competition, I am sure I can still finish selling my vegetables!"

"It makes a difference when the school vendor is creative with the menu and presentation, as that makes pupils more interested in trying new things," adds Mrs Lim. For example, the fruit stall sells fruit salads with yoghurt, colourful fruit kebabs, and fruity ice kachang.

Upper primary pupils got to try their hand at fruit sculpturing during one recess period. The school had earlier toyed with fruit salad-making and fruit basket arrangements, but decided upon fruit sculpturing as a more fun and engaging activity. To inject a competitive element, each class sent two representatives who created surprisingly elaborate designs. Imagine the Singapore Flyer made out of watermelon, bananas and strawberries!

Role models amongst friends and family

Pupils putting the finishing touches on their fruit sculpture, while others ponder on who the deserving winner should be.

Health Ambassadors from Pri 4 and Pri 5 were also chosen to be the school's health role models. Before they carry out their responsibilities, the pupils undergo 10 weeks of coaching with trainers from HPB. Topics covered include what a healthy lifestyle entails, the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, and how to promote these habits to their friends.

"I encourage my friends to eat their fruits and vegetables, and give them a certificate when they do well," says T Ram Reshmi, a Health Ambassador.

It's hard to instil a lifelong habit with a short-lived message. Realising this, Pasir Ris Primary School has made it a point to remind pupils of the need to nibble on healthy foods every year. Since 2002, the school has celebrated an annual Fruit Day, which has now been extended to an entire Fruit Week.

The Singapore Flyer made of watermelon, bananas and strawberries is one of the winning entries in the fruit sculpturing competition.

This year, the school has launched a programme called APPLE (Active Pasirians Play, Learn and Excel), in which pupils are encouraged to bring a fruit to snack on after their Wednesday morning CCAs. The school has also been awarded the Gold Cherish Award by MOE for its efforts in improving overall school health.

According to principal Mr Justin Pierre, the school has strived to convey the benefits of healthy living in a holistic manner. But the success of the campaign ultimately hinges on the meals and habits nurtured at home with the family. When asked whether their parents also ate lots of fruits and vegetables, the pupils gave a resounding "Yes" and chimed in with examples. "My father cuts me a banana to eat with my cereal," says Tejas Hirah, a Pri 5 pupil, while Ryan Koh make no secret of what tickles his fancy. "Strawberries are my favourite!" declares the Pri 6 pupil.