BEHIND the smiles and their commitment to the school motto of ‘Ever Onward’ the 62 students at Smithtown Public School, on the banks of the Macleay River, face some major challenges.
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Because of various factors such as parental education, health status, and local unemployment and wage levels, the zone is officially classified as disadvantaged.
In short, many households are doing it tough, a challenge recognised by St Vincent de Paul Society’s Breaking the Barriers program.
“It’s not uncommon for households in disadvantaged areas to skip breakfast in the rush to get kids to school, or simply because the budget is so stretched that they have trouble affording food,” according to the program’s Mid North Coast coordinator Sarah Mason.
“We know that attending school on an empty stomach impacts on learning and behaviour,” Ms Mason said, “while providing a simple but nutritious breakfast makes a major contribution to academic outcomes.”
Aware that a potentially major problem can be fairly easily addressed, the society is now supporting breakfast programs at a range of schools in its footprint between Laurieton in the south and Tweed Heads in the north.
At Smithtown PS the program is managed by Year 5 and 6 students as part of their leadership skills development, according to school administration manager Jo Astorini.
“Regardless of family hardship or other issues, the breakfasts of fruit, toast, cereal and Milo – donated by our near neighbour, the Nestle factory – are enjoyed by all of the students,” she said.
“It’s been really popular, especially on these cold mornings.”
“Coming together over a meal is good for their social skills, and there’s no doubt that having a healthy start to the day improves concentration, learning capacity and school behaviour,” Ms Astorini said.
“We’re really appreciative of the ongoing support from Vinnies. They’ve worked with us to develop a sustainable program that helps students without stigmatising anyone.”
Breaking the Barriers also helps some schools with uniforms and funds equine therapy programs that help children with traumatised backgrounds to learn confidence and social skills through bonding with horses. It is funded through sales of donated items in Vinnies shops as well as the society’s regional fundraising.
“With today’s pressure on students to perform well at school, even at primary level, we’re making a contribution to their school life, and ultimately to their well-being at higher school level and in their personal lives.” Ms Mason said.
“Like a number of schools in the region, Smithtown is small and somewhat isolated, but it’s innovative, with sessions on mindfulness and meditation, and they’ve been a pleasure to work with. The students have a great attitude and we’re glad to be contributing to their wellbeing in a small but important way.”
