BEPS Brekky Club Fuels Friendship and Future Leaders

Each morning at Brunswick East Primary School (BEPS), the Breakfast Club leaders arrive early and get straight to work. They set up serving tables, lay out cereal, reusable cutlery and crockery, make toast and jaffles, and slice fresh fruit. It’s a smooth, cheerful routine that feels like it’s been part of the school forever – yet Breakfast Club has only been running for three terms.

Since launching in Term 4, 2024, the program has quickly become a much-loved part of daily life at BEPS. Starting at three days a week, it now runs every school day thanks to its growing popularity and impact. More than just a place to grab a bite, Breakfast Club is a space where students connect, support one another, and grow as leaders.

From the beginning, the vision was clear: Breakfast Club would be student-led. BEPS Principal Erin Wiley explains, “It’s part of our leadership program. Student involvement was a given. Right from the beginning, we signed up with the intention that our student leaders would run the show.”

Year 6 students were invited to self-nominate, and the school’s Education Support staff helped formalise the structure with a job description. Students then applied for the role of ‘Breakfast Club Leader’, delivering self-written speeches to a panel of teachers. Those selected take on real responsibility, training helpers, managing supplies, topping up fruit bowls, and ensuring leftovers are shared with classrooms to avoid waste. Leaders rotate on a two-week roster, giving many students the chance to step up and shine via the breakfast club helper initiative – also student led.

Breakfast Club Helpers are year 5/6’s who are approached and encouraged by leaders to add their names to the fortnightly roster. They are mentored and guided by breakfast club leader, to encourage helpers to put their hand up for future leadership roles.

This inclusive, hands-on approach has helped the BEPS students build skills that go far beyond the breakfast table. They learn how to work as a team, take initiative, and support their peers. “I’ve learnt how to encourage little kids and make them smile,” says Finn. And Audrey “learnt how to make jaffles and work a really weird dishwasher.”

Younger students look up to the leaders, especially the preps. “They see us as role models… when they’re in Grade 6 they might put their hand up to be a Breakfast Club leader,” beamed Audrey with pride “I like that we get to inspire them”. Finn’s also proud that he can “inspire other kids to do it.”

Beyond breakfast, the club plays a vital role in student wellbeing. It’s a gentle, welcoming start to the day, especially for new students and those feeling anxious. It’s also become a key part of the Prep Transition process, helping little ones settle in and feel part of the school community right from the get-go.

Brunswick East Primary School’s Breakfast Club is a remarkable example of what happens when students are trusted to lead. It’s a space filled with warmth, purpose, and plenty of toast – where friendships are formed, confidence grows, and future leaders are made.

And in true BEPS style, Finn summed it up with a grin: “We’re awesome sauce!” Yep, we think you’re awesome sauce too, Finn.

Cooking Classes Build Confidence

Fountain Gate Secondary College jumped at the opportunity to have the Cooking Class program at their school. Wellbeing Coordinator Kerry was keen to get involved as she knew it would be a great way to promote healthy eating, as well as build practical kitchen skills. She also knows that food brings people together, and that Cooking Classes would go a long way in strengthening family relationships.

And that’s what they got – plus a whole lot more! The program made a lasting impact on both students and their families.

Beyond strengthening relationships between staff and families, the classes created a space for students to connect meaningfully with their parents and opened the door to positive communication channels.

“It has been nice seeing students connecting with their parent or guardian in the room, they all look so happy to learn new skills and try new tastes. In a world where connection is lacking, it’s great to see students truly engaging.”

Something for everyone

Students of varying backgrounds and interests found value in the program. One student, initially hesitant to participate, quickly found that he had gained confidence in the kitchen and developed his knife skills. He especially enjoyed making rice paper rolls and the okonomiyaki which he enjoyed cooking for his family at home – something he never envisioned.

Another student, who has a long-standing love for cooking, appreciated the opportunity to deepen her knowledge in a fun and hands-on environment. She learned how to prepare new healthy and nutritious meals while spending quality time with her mum, something that’s getting harder and harder to do. Busy family schedules have been a bit of a time thief, so cooking classes were a welcome activity.

But the most surprising transformation came from a student who had always been a very picky eater. A self-confessed chicken nugget fan, this student was inspired by the facilitators and fresh produce to try new vegetables – even discovering they liked things they had convinced themselves they didn’t. The cherry on top was the increased confidence in the kitchen, from knife handling to food safety and everything in between.

Confidence, Connection and Commitment to Healthy Eating

The inclusion of take-home food hampers from Foodbank Victoria allowed families to try recipes together outside the classroom. Many reported that they’d begun to incorporate the recipes into their regular meal planning, promoting healthier eating habits at home and encouraging their children to take a more active role in family cooking.

Fountain Gate Secondary College welcomed our facilitator, Jane into their kitchen with open arms. But if given the opportunity to welcome a guest chef to Cooking Classes, they unanimously chose Jamie Oliver—renowned for his commitment to healthy eating and inspiring young people to love food.

Testimonials

Parents and carers saw the benefits reach beyond the classroom:

“This program has definitely helped him become more confident” said one mum. ‘Not only in the kitchen and cooking, but also within himself. We are so grateful for the opportunity.”

“Doing these cooking classes has given me the opportunity to spend quality one-on-one time with my daughter and help her gain skills she will use throughout her life.”

“This program is amazing. I’ve enjoyed learning new recipes and using produce I wouldn’t normally use. It has broadened my horizons.”

“This seems to good to be true. From organisation, to preparation and relationships, this program is absolutely amazing! We have been so pleased that our school can be part of this program and that it benefitted so many different families within our school. Between the onsite cooking classes and the food hampers, 24 families have benefited from this program. It is lovely to see the families come together to cook and prepare a healthy meal together. Their teamwork and bonding as a family has also been wonderful to watch throughout this program. This is something that we would most definitely recommend to others,” – Kerry Gore, school contact coordinating the Cooking Classes.

Empowering Leadership and Fostering Autonomy

Set amongst the gumtrees and ferns of the Dandenong ranges, the essence of Monbulk Primary School’s Breakfast Club is student leadership and autonomy.

On a cold and dreary Tuesday morning the students were met with warmth not only from the steaming pot of porridge, but from the student leaders and volunteers that make breakfast club “homely”. That warmth is a direct result of the care shown by the students and community members who make it happen.

Running every Tuesday and Thursday, serving 50–60 students out of a total school population of 230, Breakfast Club not only provides a nutritious start to the day, it has also become a dynamic platform for student leadership, autonomy, and community connection.

Student Empowerment

The heart of the Breakfast Club’s success lies in its student-led model. Year five and six students genuinely take ownership—managing food stations, restocking breakfast items, and even stepping up to run the Club independently when the coordinator, Meg, was unwell recently.

To foster this sense of ownership, Meg sent a survey to year five and six students, asking that they choose their preferred days and roles should they want to be involved. This gave the students a voice and a sense of responsibility over their roles. This structure has cultivated a culture of trust, initiative, and pride among the students. As one teacher noted, students who attend Breakfast Club, whether it be to participate in a leadership role or just to have brekky, displayed improved behaviour and engagement throughout the day.

The Club’s “cruisey” atmosphere, as Meg describes it, is a testament to the autonomy embedded in its operations. Students are not just helpers—they are leaders. They introduce new breakfast items each term (like warm porridge with honey in Term 2), adapt to changing needs, and ensure the smooth running of the club with minimal adult intervention.

This autonomy extends beyond the morning responsibilities. Student leaders also manage the fruit bowls, ensuring classrooms are well stocked and ready each day. This has led to healthier eating habits, with more fruit being consumed across the school.

Community

While student leadership is central, the club thrives thanks to strong community ties. Parents regularly volunteer, and the local Country Women’s Association (CWA) plays a key role, especially on Tuesdays. With a roster of eight members—including Cheryl and Wendy, both former students—the CWA brings a sense of continuity and heritage.

The school’s collaboration with the CWA and relationship with parent volunteers reflects a broader culture of shared responsibility and community-mindedness. It’s not just a school breakfast program—it’s a community.

At Monbulk Primary School, Breakfast Club is more than food. It’s a space where students gather, connect, and start their day with a sense of belonging. Even those who don’t come for breakfast, still come along to chat with friends, reinforcing the notion that food brings people together.

Monbulk Primary School’s Breakfast Club is a beautiful example of how leadership and autonomy can be nurtured in young students. By trusting them with responsibilities and celebrating their contributions, the school has created a program that feeds both body and spirit—one bowl of warm porridge at a time!

More than lunch: How schools are serving up support

At Footscray High School (Kinnear Campus) student wellbeing is at the heart of everything they do. With Dana leading the charge as the Mental Health Practitioner, big steps have been made to improve food access for students. Dana and the team have worked hard to break down stigma around accessing food, creating an open and welcoming space for communication and building connection.

Through the School Breakfast Clubs Program, schools can access a range of emergency lunch products to further support students who may not have access to a sufficient or nutritious lunch. Providing lunch items at school enables identified students to concentrate and participate effectively in the school day.

“Food is nurture” says Dana, “And it’s an access point to wellbeing. The lunch program at Footscray High is not just about the food, this is a supportive space all round.”

Lunch items are available for students who require additional access to food throughout the day and are accessed via the wellbeing office. Everything from the School Breakfast Clubs Program soups to tuna bowls is available, right next to the wellbeing office, where Dana and the Wellbeing team sit. Students ring the doorbell to access the area, ensuring that Wellbeing team have an opportunity to build meaningful connections with students through food. Students can then use the microwaves in the VCE and canteen areas to heat up their lunch.

a microwave ovens on a counter with packet soup

There’s no going without at Wallan Primary School

Meanwhile, at Wallan Primary, they’ve made sure that no student goes without food. Every day, they offer a lunch program that gives all students who need it, easy access to lunch. Around 20 students benefit each day, making sure they’re fuelled up for learning. The tuna and rice bowls and the fresh fruit are particularly popular choices.

Breakfast Club Coordinator Karen is grateful they can give their students lunch when they need it. “It is fantastic that we are able to provide food for our students, no questions asked. Students particularly like having apples available to them during class time”.

Like Footscray High School, the lunch program serves a greater purpose at Wallan Primary, “providing lunch to our most vulnerable students helps to get them ready for learning. We are also able to identify families that may require further assistance,” said Karen.

Wellbeing in focus at Werribee Secondary College

Amy, a Mental Health Practitioner from Werribee Secondary College has found the lunch program particularly helpful with engagement and wellbeing. “Food is a great way to connect with kids” she said. “The lunch products are a great way to get to know the students. While they’re waiting for meals to heat up, we use that time to build rapport and make sure that they have a positive experience with people at the school.”

“Food is such a great way to connect with people, especially teenagers, and it is such a great starting point to get to know them and build a sense of trust.”

All these schools have shown just how important it is to take care of students’ nutritional needs. They’ve created environments that reduce stigma and make sure students feel nourished—physically and emotionally.

The lunch programs at Footscray High School (Kinnear Camus), Werribee Secondary College and Wallan Primary School are just a few brilliant examples of how food access plays a vital role as a connector to wellbeing.

Gleneagles Secondary College: Stirring Up Success and Building Bonds

The School Breakfast Clubs Program Cooking Classes at Gleneagles Secondary College have been a hit!

It’s not just about learning to cook; it’s about bringing people together and creating lasting connections. The program has added even more variety to Gleneagles’ offering, helping staff, students, and parents build stronger bonds.

Teachers and staff have had the chance to get to know students and their families better, making the school feel even more like a supportive and inclusive community. Plus, students have made new friends, boosting their social skills and sense of belonging.

Why Gleneagles loved it

Gleneagles Secondary College signed up to the Cooking Classes program to build stronger relationships within the school community. “We thought it was a great chance to build relationships.” said Sabrina, Youth Support Officer. “It also educates families on the benefits of healthy eating and supports those families with extra food.” The take home hampers provide families with nutritious ingredients, helping put what they learn in class into practice at home.

Why the families loved it

Families love joining the Cooking Classes because it’s a special time to bond. With everyone’s busy schedules, it can be hard to find quality time together. The classes give parents and kids a chance to cook side by side, strengthening their relationships and creating wonderful memories.

“We don’t get to do too much together” said Candice, mum of year seven student, Mya. “Mya’s younger brother takes up a lot of my spare time, so this was a great way to do something that’s just us”.

Students enjoy the Cooking Classes for many reasons. They learn how to cook, gain confidence in the kitchen, and get to take charge. This sense of ownership and responsibility is empowering, and it lets them guide their parents through the cooking process, flipping the usual roles and building mutual respect.

Marwa, who is currently in Year 12 said she signed up to take part in Cooking Classes as she enjoys cooking and it “helps her de-stress”, while Lena, Year 7, signed up with mum to make new friends at the school.

Youth Support Officer, Sabrina, shared touching stories from families about how the program has made a difference. One family, who used to rely on take away, now cooks healthy meals together at home. This change not only improves their nutrition but also helps their child develop better eating habits. Another family shared that dad had never cooked before, but through the program, he learned to cook with his daughter, creating a special bond and gaining a valuable new skill.

Cooking at home

The families really appreciated the food hampers. Many have tried the recipes provided, as well as mixing it up with some of their own touches, while others are still exploring them. Budding chef Rida mixed it up, substituting some of the ingredients in the Rice Paper Rolls take home hamper to make a fusion meal for the family!

The Cooking Class program at Gleneagles Secondary College has had a wonderful impact on the students and their families. By bringing them together, promoting healthy eating, and teaching valuable skills, it is an essential part of the school’s efforts to support and engage families.

Charles La Trobe Breakfast Club The Heart of Community

At the Charles La Trobe College Breakfast Club, a warm and welcoming atmosphere transforms the mornings of 126 primary school students into something special. With a dedicated team of volunteers and a commitment to nourishing young minds, the club epitomises the power of community connections.

Breakfast Club runs every school day, drawing in 12-15 eager students who gather around a communal table to start their day with a nutritious meal and a smile. Community volunteers serve as the backbone of the Charles La Trobe Breakfast Club ensuring that every child starts the day with a healthy breakfast. An incredible 90% of the program’s volunteer pool is made up of local community members, who are passionate about contributing to the wellbeing of the children. Lorem dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras malesuada nisi eu elit congue, quis a liquet neque ornare. Nulla facilisi. Orci varius natoque penatibus et here magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Proin in mauris est. Nunc nec lacinia odio, sit amet rhoncus urna. Donec iaculis dolor elementum purus dignissim, ac commodo lacus bibendum.

Impact on school community

Since the Breakfast Club’s inception, the program has evolved into an essential part of the school’s offering, enhancing student engagement and creating a positive atmosphere. Volunteers work closely with school staff, fostering relationships that benefit the entire community.

Volunteer coordinator, Brooke noted, “The children are so excited to come to school and are so friendly and kind to one another.”

The Breakfast Club serves a variety of food options, with the small milk cartons a favourite, while fresh fruit is available throughout the day. Students are encouraged to eat at a communal table, encouraging a sense of community and belonging. They also learn responsibility by cleaning up after themselves—scraping their plates into the bin and placing their dishes in the sink—a small but significant step towards independence that parents likely appreciate as well!

The Breakfast Club is more than food. Volunteers come together to create an environment where children feel safe and valued. Children from Prep to Grade six come together, sharing not only breakfast but also stories, jokes and songs.

They take turns making announcements, filling the air with their favourite jokes and music, and even created a whimsical song about the Breakfast Club inspired by their rehearsals for the Wizard of Oz school musical: “Somewhere over Breakfast Club, skies are blue, and the toastie that you dare to dream of, really does come true.”

Going Above and Beyond

Currently, six enthusiastic volunteers dedicate their time each week, bringing their unique backgrounds and experiences to the club. From a retired teacher who also assists with the reading program to community members recruited through friendship networks, each volunteer contributes to a shared mission: ensuring that no child needs to worry about a healthy breakfast.

Volunteer Barbara goes the extra mile to ensure the Breakfast Club runs smoothly. If supplies run low, she steps in to provide what’s needed to ensure the children don’t go without. Barbara is a retired organisational psychologist, and she brings these skills into her interaction with the children. So, they don’t just get breakfast they get some valuable leadership learning through day-to-day interaction.

Impact on Volunteer community

Being part of the Charles La Trobe Breakfast Club has profoundly impacted the volunteers. They share moments of joy, surprise, and connection with the students, reminding them of the simple joys of childhood.

“The best part of interacting with the students is they surprise us every day and connect us to what it feels like to be young again,” said Brooke. “That’s what I love about the volunteers – each of them has deep personal and professional experience that they bring to the role. We have a retired teacher, accountant, nurse, university lecturer and senior executive all giving up their time to volunteer because they care about the next generation and want the school and families to be strong, healthy and happy.”

Brooke “decided to volunteer because well-nourished children do better in school. It’s heartwarming to see how much joy and excitement the Breakfast Club brings.” Adding, “Our kids went to local schools, and we know the value of lifelong friendships and the bonds that are built at school and by getting involved.”

The Breakfast Club at Charles La Trobe Primary School is more than just a meal program; it is a vibrant hub of community engagement. By leveraging the strengths of local volunteers, the program not only feeds hungry bellies but also fosters a sense of belonging and support, paving the way for a healthier, more confident and connected student cohort.

Testimonial

“Having the Breakfast Club at our primary school makes a real difference to our students. It not only provides them with a healthy meal to start the day but also gives them a sense of community and support. We’re incredibly grateful to Foodbank for their generous donations”.

Mike Palfrey | Wellbeing Coordinator

Cooking Classes Creating Cross Generational and Community Connections

St Alban’s North Primary School jumped at the chance to bring the Cooking Class program, to their students. In addition to the regular benefits this program brings, fostering community involvement, and promoting healthy eating habits, the school had another motive. They wanted to strengthen family bonds within their community.

We know that food brings people together. And by inviting students, siblings and their parents to the cooking classes, the school together with the School Breakfast Clubs Program Cooking Classes offered an opportunity for students and their families to engage in a shared activity and foster stronger connections.

And that it did! The classes successfully drew in families who were previously not engaged in school activities. Students were able to work together with their siblings and parents in both a productive and enjoyable setting.

“We wanted to provide a positive experience for (the families) where they could work together to create something and then share it at the end. The cooking Classes were perfect and the way Foodbank provides the food hampers to take home gives an opportunity for them to repeat the process of working together in the home environment, hopefully building some teamwork, respect and tolerance.” said assistant principal Rob Guppy.

Creating Connections

The families that took part in Cooking Classes appreciated the chance to spend quality time with their children while learning about healthy cooking. One parent noted, “The Cooking Classes program was a fantastic opportunity for us to bond as a family and learn new recipes. My children were thrilled to see me at school and work together on something so fun and educational.”

The Cooking Classes experience and learning extends beyond the classroom, giving students practical experiences that enhance their teamwork and problem-solving skills, not just at school, but in the home. The food hampers provided mean that families can continue building on their in school positive experiences and connections, at home.

One parent, who attended with her prep student, also brought her year seven son along – on his birthday no less. She loved that it was a fun and educational activity they could do as a family, noting that group activities catering to varying age groups can be difficult. (As is bonding with a teenager!)

Testimonials

From the school’s perspective, the Cooking Classes have been a tremendous success. They saw quite a few of the participants try sushi and rice paper rolls for the first time. Assistant Principal Rob Guppy said “the cooking classes are a fantastic initiative that helps bring families together and educates them on healthy cooking. Our school saw benefits with parents and students working together, as well as families mixing with each other which was great to see.”

Noble Park ELS Bringing families together through food

Noble Park English Language School (ELS) is a multi-campus, co-educational institution serving students from Prep to Year 10. With around 600 students, the school specialises in providing intensive English language courses tailored for newly arrived migrants, refugees, and international students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

At Noble Park ELS, the Cooking Classes facilitated by the Foodbank Victoria team didn’t just teach culinary skills, they became a catalyst for bonding and joy within the school community.

The Cooking Class program had an immediate impact. Right from the moment the expression of interest was sent out to the school community, there was an overwhelming and positive response. Parents were very eager to join, making it clear to school staff that they craved this opportunity to bond with their children and become more involved in the wider school community.

Noble Park ELS’s community includes families who have faced hardships and challenging journeys migrating to Australia, some as refugees. The Cooking Classes offered more than just cooking tips, recipes, and a take home hamper; they provided a safe and welcoming environment where parents and children could reconnect.

Why the families loved it

“The parents were grateful for some time with their child,” said Maxine, the school’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (Primary). It provided them a chance to try something new and enjoy each other’s company away from daily stresses and routine.

The students relished the opportunity to try new foods and spend quality time learning some new skills and cooking alongside their parents. The classes provided a chance to foster stronger family and community ties beyond the classroom.

One parent, a mother with five children, one with a disability, was hesitant initially as her busy life made it difficult to fit this activity in. However, after some persuading by her children, she agreed and attended with her oldest child.

Whilst they were cooking, one of her other children stopped by to check it out. Staff told him that mum would bring home all the ingredients and the recipe, so they can cook together at home, a brilliant way to involve the rest of the children. The Cooking Classes gave families the opportunity to create memories and empower children to explore new skills at home.

Why Noble Park ELS loved it

“We wanted parents to feel connected to the school community in a meaningful way,” shared Maxine, the school’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader (Primary). “These classes provided a fresh avenue for engagement beyond traditional academic discussions.” One student, who’d received a helping hand from a Foodbank staff member to make rice paper rolls, was especially pleased that she was also given a hamper to take home. The feedback from her teacher the next day, was that the rest of her family thoroughly enjoyed making a new meal together that evening.

Testimonials

“I came to the Cooking Classes with my child. Thank you very much. Finally, my child ate vegetables and liked it,” expressed a grateful parent, highlighting the program’s success in encouraging healthier eating habits.

The school leadership echoed these sentiments, describing the program as “an extremely wonderful experience for the school community” that brought with it positivity and engagement. The Principal, Enza Calabro, particularly appreciated how the multi-purpose room came alive with vibrant activity and camaraderie.