By CASEY NEILL
THREE Greater Dandenong schools have officially joined the Breakfast Club.
The State Government in April announced 78 new additions to the program, including Carwatha College P-12 in Noble Park, and Dandenong’s Wooranna Park Primary School and Emerson School.
One in seven Victorian children arrive at school hungry, affecting their attention spans and ability to learn.
The $13.7 million Breakfast Clubs program aims to improve student learning and attendance and build connections between families, schools and the wider community.
Carwatha principal Bronwyn Hamilton said the school was so far serving up breakfast from 8am two days a week.
“If you’re learning on a full stomach, learning is much more likely to be successful,” she said.
“We’re very excited to have it on offer.
“We think it’s a fantastic program.
“It’s all been really well organised.
Ms Hamilton said some families were too busy for breakfast in the mornings, while other students missed out because times were tough.
“We have the capacity for as many as are interested to access the program,” she said.
“We have fruit and we have Weet-Bix and porridge. We can have some variations as we go.
“That’s what we’re providing for nothing.”
Ms Hamilton said the canteen was also opening early for students who wanted to buy more than the basics.
