12 March 2025
Arapohue School's KickStart Breakfast Club: A Model of Community and Care
At Arapohue School, KickStart Breakfast club is more than a meal; it's a cornerstone of the school community, fostering connections and ensuring that all tamariki can start their day with the nourishment they need. Recently Programme Manager, Tracey Putt visited the small rural school, located 12km from Dargaville in Te Tai Tokerau.
A Warm Welcome Every Morning
Principal, Kylie Piper, meets and greets tamariki as they arrive at the school gate. After popping their bags in the classroom, they head over to the staffroom where Mrs Christey has KickStart Breakfast set up and ready. This routine not only ensures that the tamariki are organised but also sets a positive tone for the day.
I love being able to have breakfast with Mrs Christey. She always knows exactly how I like my Weet-Bix and has them ready waiting for me when she sees me get to school. I also really like getting to hang out and talk to my friends while we eat.
MP Yr 8 student.
Students enjoying some kai in the morning sun before heading off to class.
Personalised and Nutritious Breakfasts
Staff member, Catherine Christey, has been leading the breakfast programme since the school joined in late 2020, who knows most of the students' preferences, serves Anchor milk and Weet-Bix, along with fruit and yoghurt. During the winter months, Weet-Bix are served warm and tamariki gather in the staffroom to share kai and conversation with their peers. On sunny days, breakfast is enjoyed on the picnic tables outside and students pop their dishes when finished into a bucket ready for Catherine to quickly clean up and load into the dishwasher. It’s a smooth operation where Catherine knows all orders off by heart ‘One Weet-Bix with a splash of milk for one and 3 Weet-Bix and loads of milk to make them soggy for another’.
I absolutely love my role making breakfast at Arapohue School, fuelling their brains with nutritious kai. My goal is to get them focused and excited for their day of learning. Greetings and conversations are always welcome at my breakfast window.
Mrs Christey.
Flexible and Inclusive
The breakfast club runs from 8:00 to 8:25 am and remains open for late arrivals, ensuring that no child misses out on this important meal. The school's commitment to the importance of kai and their inclusive approach is evident in the thriving atmosphere of the breakfast club.
Arapohue School's breakfast club is a shining example of how a well-run program can make a significant difference in the lives of students. We look forward to sharing more of our schools across the motu and the positive impact they are making!