Tootgarook Primary School Breakfast Club
Tootgarook PS breakfast club provides a safe and welcoming place for students and families to connect, and for students to start the day well-nourished. Class teachers are convinced that this positively impacts student well-being and learning outcomes.
The success of this welcoming club that feeds 100+ students each school morning is thanks to the incredible work of its co-ordinator Kylie Smiles. Kylie is a parent at Tootgarook PS and her three children under age eight happily help with the set up each morning.
Kylie brings skills from her hospitality background and as a paid coordinator unleashes resources within the community, from surplus food to volunteer time, thus multiplying many times the investment generously made by MFP donors. And as with all MPF work, benefits flow both ways.
Kylie says, “Having this family friendly job and additional income has been life- changing for me and my family. It has enabled me to further my studies to become a swim teacher and open up possibilities for my children. They have access to swimming lessons which I wouldn’t have been able to afford before.”
Kylie serves up more than a delicious breakfast, she has become a great source of support for families going through challenging times. “My history overcoming family violence isn’t a secret, I don’t wear it as a badge, but mums know they can come and talk to me. It’s less scary talking to me than talking to official channels sometimes. I can share my experience and encourage them to seek help. Most people don’t seek help and they could save themselves a lot of heartache if they
sought help sooner.” Kylie describes herself as resourceful and solution orientated. “I love this job; I love helping kids and families. The job has given me stability to get out of ‘fight or flight’ and the opportunity to expand my own growth. For the first time I can zoom out and see a bigger picture, a future beyond just doing the next thing.”
Listening to people, being flexible, connecting unexpected partnerships and funding high yield activities develops strength in the community and win win outcomes as seen here.
“Having this family friendly job and additional income has been life-changing for me and my family. It has enabled me to further my studies to become a swim teacher and open up possibilities for my children.”
– Kylie Smiles, Breakfast Club Co-ordinator
The program’s reach
Partners
Tootgarook PS
1
School
150+
Children and their families
5
Days per week