EA Southee Public School began their breakfast club this week, running Monday to Thursday from 8.30am until 9.15am.

Teacher Kristen Anstice said students miss breakfast for a lot of reasons, including time and financial constraints, and the program is a good opportunity for them to start the day right with healthy options.

“Teachers have noticed particular kids have had a better morning,” said Miss Anstice, citing learning and social benefits for students who might otherwise have skipped the most important meal of the day.

The club is not just for students who have missed breakfast however, and Deklyn and Stephanie Reddy brought gold coins to enjoy the food despite already eating at home.

“Hopefully my dad lets me come next week so I can have two breakfasts and I won’t be starving at recess,” said Year Two student Deklyn. 

“Breakfast actually makes you good with the brain,” added his little sister Stephanie, who is in Kindergarten.

The first local breakfast program started five years ago at Cootamundra Public School and was the brainchild of school chaplain Sue Masters and parent Larn McNally.

Sue says the benefits of the program are more than just educational, as it’s an opportunity for student volunteers to become more involved in the school community, and learn about food preparation and hygiene along the way.

Cootamundra High School began their own program four years ago with support from the P and C; it runs each morning from 8.30am and is free for students.

Cootamundra Public School and EA Southee both ask students for a gold coin donation, and all the schools receive support from local businesses including the Outback Bakery, Woolworths, IGA, Campbell Page and Coota CWA.

Kellogg’s also donated an initial shipment of cereal to EA Southee as part of their Breakfast Buddies program.