Healthy Eating @ School

Food

Play lunch is eaten under supervision inside the classroom at 11:00 a.m. followed by recess time which runs from 11:05 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.  Lunch is eaten under supervision inside the classroom between 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m.  Students are also offered the opportunity for some brain food (a piece of fruit or vegetable they can easily consume) at 10:00am.

Healthy lunches and snacks are important for children and help with concentration and learning. For play lunch: a piece of fruit, wholesome muffins, wholemeal or multigrain crackers and cheese, yoghurt, or vegetable sticks and a drink bottle of water. Nude food is encouraged which is food without excess packaging. Avoid highly processed foods with excess amounts of sugar, fat and salt. For example muesli and chocolate bars, potato crisps, donuts, cakes, lollies, honey, jams and fatty meats. Please consider 'Real Food' options for your child's lunchbox to support their concentration and energy needs throughout the day. The above 'Pick & Mix' chart provides a number of good examples.

For lunch, a combination of some of the following is suggested:-

Sandwiches, roll, wholemeal crackers, salad, fruit, yoghurt, vegetables, cheese, dried fruit and water.

“Sometimes” foods can be included, but please be aware that these foods may distract some from eating their packed lunch. We must also be aware that some students are diagnosed with Anaphylaxis, which is a generalised allergic reaction commonly triggered by foods with nuts (or sometimes eggs), so we must be cautious with what is in our lunch box.

The Student Lunch Box needs to be clearly labelled with your child’s name. Children need to have a separate snack from their lunch and a suitable drink container. (Water please – no flavoured drinks).  Drinking fountains are located outside. It is recommended that students bring a plastic bottle to refill. It is essential that all students remain hydrated during physical activities and particularly in the warmer months.

Please note: It is essential that children eat a healthy breakfast to start the day.

Prior to coming to school, children should practise using their lunch boxes and drink bottles so that they are able to eat their lunch independently once they begin school.    They will also be responsible for cleaning up after themselves!

Celebrations

Schools are bound by a strict policy regarding confectionery in schools. This includes canteens services, using food in curriculum and class rewards and also celebrations throughout the year. This policy strictly states that food deemed as confectionery is not allowed at schools.  School Council had adopted a Healthy Eating Promotion Policy that does allow for Birthday Cakes to be made and shared at school, however the item must be of a high nutritional standard and consideration should be given to any allergy and dietary needs in your child's class to ensure this is an inclusive celebration for all students involved.  Please check with your child's teacher before sending any celebration items to school. Since development of the Healthy Eating Promotion Policy, COVID restrictions do not permit the sharing of any food items at school which includes between students and staff.