The school is taking part in the Cancer Council of Victoria’s healthy eating and activity program, Kids - Go for your life.

As part of the program the school has included healthy eating practices and theory as well as physical activity into the curriculum.

Assistant principal Chris Barker said the school was initially interested in the program as it encouraged children to be healthy and active by involving them in the wider community.

“We introduce the children to healthy practices at a young age so hopefully it sticks with them for life,” he said.

Some of the programs the school has introduced include a healthy eating policy, walk ride and scoot to school days, as well as a sustainable garden, which the students help to grow and maintain, and then cook the fresh produce.

Cancer Council director Professor David Hill said the Kids - Go for your life program was important because healthy living practices need to be developed during childhood.

“Research shows 25 to 50 per cent of obese children carry the weight with them into adulthood,” he said.

Professor Hill also said obesity during childhood can lead to chronic diseases later in life such as type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

Today is World Cancer Day. This year’s theme is I love my active childhood.