Porangahau School in Hawkes Bay is setting a good example when it comes to dining room etiquette.
The decile 4 school has 30 pupils, who eat their meals, including breakfast, at a dining table in their "cafe".
Principal Doug Hales believed eating together was important for the children to learn social skills and the routine of a family environment.
"It's done a lot for the school culture in a sense that kids are there together, they're talking, old ones, young ones, and we've taught them manners and things like that."
The school is part of the KidsCan programme and receives food and other items such as waterproof jackets and shoes.