BY JARROD McALEESE
PAKENHAM Primary School has been named as one of the 78 new primary schools across Victoria to join the State Government’s Breakfast Clubs program which aims to give more Victorian children a bright and healthier start to the school day.
The government is working in conjunction with Foodbank to co-ordinate breakfast clubs at primary schools across, utilising Foodbank’s warehousing, storage and freight network.
A Foodbank study found that one in seven Victorian children arrive at school hungry, impacting their ability to focus throughout the day.
The project will endeavour to improve student learning and attendance while also fostering links between families, schools and the community.
Several other schools in the south-east, including two each in Cranbourne and Dandenong will also benefit from the expansion and Education Minister James Merlino said that the initiative is a positive move for school children around the state.
“This year, the Andrews Labor Government is expanding breakfast clubs to 500 Victorian primary schools, ensuring every child starts the day on a full stomach so they can concentrate, learn and be their best,” Mr Merlino said.
