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Students fuel up for a big day

Tari JeffersManjimup-Bridgetown Times
Pemberton District High School students Year 5 Scarlett Lovkis and Lee Virgo and Year 4 Braven Harvey, get fed by school chaplain Meryl Giumelli.
Camera IconPemberton District High School students Year 5 Scarlett Lovkis and Lee Virgo and Year 4 Braven Harvey, get fed by school chaplain Meryl Giumelli. Credit: Manjimup-Bridgetown Times

Starting the day with a nutritious and hearty meal is the cornerstone of a breakfast service for Pemberton District High School students.

Since Term 3 last year, the school team — with donations from various organisations and individuals — provides free breakfasts for students on Monday and Tuesday mornings.

Classroom teacher and PDHS Breakfast Club coordinator Vicki Barnsby said the program had come about because she had noticed some students were coming to school and were not having much to eat at recess or lunchtime.

“So I wanted to make sure students at least started off with a healthy breakfast,” she said.

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“Plus it’s also good for bus students who eat really early.”

The program also offers any leftovers at recess.

Donations are provided by Foodbank WA, Collins Brothers, Bannister Downs Dairy, Pemberton Crossings Bakery, local families, the school P&C and the Pemberton CWA.

The Breakfast Club feeds about 40-60 students a day from 8.30am and 8.45am.

Mrs Barnsby said the program was also beneficial because it increased social interaction, built rapport with students, increased nutrition and exposed students to a wider range of breakfasts foods.

Food available to students includes toasties, toast, porridge and fruit.

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