Breakfast Club builds community at McDonald Park Primary

At McDonald Park Primary School, breakfast is more than a meal – it’s a chance for connection.

Thanks to a recent OneFortyOne PINE Community Grant, the school has supercharged its breakfast club with the purchase of an industrial toaster, allowing staff to serve more students faster and easier.

McDonald Park Primary School student wellbeing leader Lia Jordan says the breakfast club is a welcoming space where students, staff, and families come together.

“We started because we knew there was a need, and kids were coming to school without breakfast,” said Lia.

The breakfast club runs quietly throughout the week, supporting children who arrive at school without having yet eaten. On Friday mornings, the club is open to everyone.

“Now Friday is a special connection day,” Lia said.

“We have music playing, the kids come in they talk to us, we get to see how their week’s gone and work out whether they need extra support.”

The new toaster has made a big difference. Previously, the team relied on multiple small toasters that couldn’t keep up with demand. Now, they can serve around 180 slices in just 25 minutes.

“With the new toaster it’s like a production line,” said Lia.

“The kids get a better breakfast, and we can feed more of them.”

The club also offers homemade spreads like jam and lemon butter, often made by the students themselves, with the impact going far beyond food.

“The kids love it when they can share – and eat – the things they’ve made in other classes. They also learn about manners while lining up and asking for what they want, so it becomes a teaching moment too.”

“It’s about connection, community, and having a chat.”

It’s known among students that if they haven’t had breakfast, they’re always allowed to drop into the school kitchen and have something to eat.

“If the kids are sent off with a belly full of toast, they listen more, can concentrate a bit better, and most importantly, they’re happier,” Lia said.

As it continues to grow, McDonald Park Primary School’s breakfast club is an amazing example of educators taking initiative and creating a place where young students feel supported and ready to learn.

For more information on the PINE Community Grants program, see the Community Grants section of our website. Applications for grants up to $5,000 are open year round, and are assessed seasonally according to the South East Seasonal Calendar.