Breakfast toast for learning

Amelie puts on a spread at Hallam Primary School's breakfast club. 152759 Pictures: GARY SISSONS

By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS

HUNGRY students are getting their healthy fill thanks to a new round of breakfast clubs opening at Casey primary schools.
From the first day of the program on 11 April, 30 Hallam Primary School students made the most of a sit-down together to free toast, fruit, baked beans and cereal before class.
The school’s breakfast club organiser Shirley Fletcher said students, who had skipped breakfast, were yawning their way through classes.
“This is a way we can promote that it’s a very important start to the day.
“It makes their brains more alert – we hope to see a marked improvement in their learning outcomes.”
The club complements the school’s Stephanie Alexander vegetable garden and cookery class and its fortnightly free fruit on Fridays.
Last week, the state-funded breakfast club was rolled out to 78 schools, including Hallam Primary School and Southern Cross Primary School in Endeavour Hills.
In total, 500 government primary schools are expected to launch breakfast clubs this year as part of the $13.7 million program.
Foodbank, as a partner to the program, is delivering the food to the schools.
Hallam Primary School is seeking sponsors to provide bread and toast-spreads such as jam and Vegemite.
To help, call the school on 9703 1536.