A ST ALBANS school is feeding students with breakfast as well as knowledge.
Holy Eucharist School started their breakfast program in July with grants of $5000 from Brimbank City Council and $1000 from the Catholic Education Office, and food donations from Victorian Food Bank.
Catholic Education Family School Partnership convenor Cindy Bohan said around 25 kids turned up each morning before school to feast on cereal, toast and milk around a kitchen table, with numbers swelling to up to 40 students.
“It’s a cheery, friendly place full of warm, toasty smells and the kids love it,” Ms Bohan said.
“Families at the school suggested the breakfast program as some students were going to school on empty stomachs.
“It’s open to all 450 students and teachers are really noticing the difference – the kids are more focused in class and seem happier.”
Although the program is scheduled to finish in 2012, Ms Bohan is hoping to make it a permanent part of the school’s curriculum.
“With one in four kids in Victoria going to school without breakfast for a variety of reasons, there’s a real need for a breakfast program, particularly when it’s catering to such a sizeable number,” she said.
In the meantime the school is looking for more volunteers to help with the program.
Chairman of Brimbank City Council’s administrators Peter Lewinsky said the council was proud to help the breakfast program.
“Children are this community’s future,” Mr Lewinsky said.
“Eating breakfast before school sets them up for better health and better educational outcomes and, we hope, healthy eating habits which will last a lifetime.”
To find out more about the breakfast program contact Holy Eucharist School on 9366 2899.
