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. 

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