NOW in its third year, Breakfast Club at Warrnambool West Primary School has become an integral part of learning.
Each Wednesday pupils arrive at school early to enjoy a healthy breakfast of cereal, fruit, bread, yoghurt and juice.
Physical education co-ordinator Andrew McCombe started the program to give pupils an energetic start to the day and to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Mr McCombe said the evidence was clear that the healthy breakfasts were improving the pupils’ ability to learn.
“We find that kids turn up early to school on that day, they are more alert and ready to learn,” he said.
“There is lots of data supporting academic learning improvement with a healthier start to the day.”
He said the benefits also included social activity.
“It creates a culture of sitting around the table, enjoying breakfast and the company.”
There are 70 pupils on the Breakfast Club register, with an average of 35 attending. About 150 children attend the school.
Mr McCombe said he hoped the program would expand to every school day.
The program receives funding from South West Credit and bread is donated by Bakers Delight.
“Warrnambool City Council has also really supported us,” Mr McCombe said.