27 August 2024
Celebrating 15 Years of KickStart Breakfast at Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Patetere, Putāruru
Locations Waikato Categories Events
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On 21 August 2024, volunteers from local Fonterra sites and Farm Source stores, including the Central North Island lead team, came together to support a special 15 year celebration breakfast for more than 350 tamariki and rangatahi in Putāruru. Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Patetere, is one of the first kura to join our community partnership programme back in 2009.
The celebration menu featured a mix of nutritious and fun options, including Weet-Bix pikelets, Weet-Bix stackers topped with yoghurt, fruit, and 'Sprinkles' (a mix of coconut, chopped dates, and pumpkin seeds), and refreshing blueberry smoothies.
In addition to a delicious celebration breakfast, there were plenty of engaging activities to keep everyone entertained!
A smoothie exercise bike challenged participants to blend their own smoothies while getting a bit of morning exercise. The Gumboot throwing competition brought out some friendly competitive spirit, and the creation table was a hit with budding artists who designed their own Weet-Bix stacker creations and drew pictures of what they love most about their breakfast club.
Senior rangatahi also gathered for an impromptu career pathway conversation with the Central North Island lead team to learn more about potential opportunities.
The event was open to all Te Kaokaoroa whānau, creating a beautiful and inclusive atmosphere. As everyone gathered to share kai and conversation, sing waiata, and taste new foods together, the sense of togetherness was strong.
Tumuaki Keith shared his thoughts on the importance of the KickStart Breakfast programme.
"The KickStart Breakfast programme is an integral part of our whole kai programme. Breakfast is a great time for everybody to meet, talk, and fill up ready for a busy day. What is unique to us is that we feed everyone. It is not uncommon to see students and staff having a meal or doing dishes together."
Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Patetere has prioritized creating a welcoming space where everyone feels included. The whānau breakfast not only provides nourishment but also offers opportunities to build relationships, foster student leadership, and energise young minds and bodies to start their day ready to learn and succeed.
The event was a testament to the power of community and the positive impact that the KickStart Breakfast programme has had over the past 15 years. It was a morning filled with joy, laughter, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every tamariki and rangatahi starts their day with a nutritious meal and a sense of belonging.
Here's to many more years of KickStart Breakfast and the continued success of Te Wharekura o Te Kaokaoroa o Patetere and its wonderful whānau!
Are you keen to celebrate our KickStart Breakfast milestone at your kura? Learn how to make your own Weet-Bix pikelets or design your own Weet-Bix stackers by using the template here.
