In a recent Northern Argus article Regional Healthy Weight Project Coordinator for Lower North Community Health Jessie Cootes, wrote: “Research has shown that as many as one in four children skip breakfast and go to school hungry. Breakfast is a very important meal for everybody, especially children and a healthy breakfast provides kids (and adults) with the energy they need to start their day”.

With this in mind, staff at the school conducted a survey of students and discovered that some 50 per cent were coming to school each day without having had breakfast. As a result, and with a positive response from the local community, the club has been set up to provide a simple but sustaining breakfast one day each week.

Principal Glenys Munro said similar programs have been set up in schools across the state. Staff members are responsible for the organisation of the Breakfast Club and see it as an important aspect of the school’s contribution to the health of its students.

“In time, we might be able to extend our range of days on which breakfast is provided and we hope to see a positive difference in the students,” she said.

To enable the Breakfast Club to operate on more than one day each week, more volunteers would be needed to prepare and serve food. Donations of food as well as equipment would also be welcome.

For more information please contact Elizabeth Harris 8847 2332.