General News
22 September, 2023
Police serving up at school brekkie club
Horsham Primary School continues to promote inclusion and connection to learning via its long-running breakfast club program. Student wellbeing co-ordinator Brent White said the program aimed to promote inclusion while also addressing food security...
Horsham Primary School continues to promote inclusion and connection to learning via its long-running breakfast club program.
Student wellbeing co-ordinator Brent White said the program aimed to promote inclusion while also addressing food security issues that some students faced.
"Through no fault of their own, some students simply don't have access to food - something which is, unfortunately, more prevalent than ever," Mr White said.
"We offer a no-judgement environment in which all students are encouraged to come in and grab breakfast."
Open every day at the Rasmussen Road campus and three days per week at the Primary School's Baillie street site, the breakfast club can serve up to 100 pieces of toast and supply 80-90 cups of Milo to students each session.
"We also have grab-and-go options, lunch, snacks and fresh fruit," Mr White said.
"Through having the club we've seen improvements in attendance as well as the students' connection and learning.
"It gives a great chance for students to access academic, social and emotional inclusion opportunities."
Supported by the Horsham Police proactive policing unit, which has officers serving breakfast on Mondays at Rasmussen Road and on Thursdays at Baillie Street, the program also serves as a way of demystifying the police's role within the community.
"It's a way for police to form a more positive relationship with the students in an informal setting," Leading Senior Constable Linda McLennan said.