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INUVIK
Students at Sir Alexander Mackenzie School will be getting a good start to their days with the continuation of the breakfast program.

Sir Alexander Mackenzie School principal Janette Vlanich, left, and teacher Michelle Wright, get ready for the breakfast program at the school. From 8 a.m. the school offers a nutritious breakfast to get students ready for their day of learning. - Samantha Stokell/NNSL photo

For at least 10 years, students have benefited from the healthy meals offered by their teachers before school every morning. Starting at 8 a.m. every day, students can arrive to school early and enjoy fresh fruit, 100 per cent fruit juice, whole wheat bread and granola bars. The program is open to all students.

"Some students come for the social aspect. Their parents drop them off before work and then they get to sit with friends," said principal Janette Vlanich. "(The program) really enhances their learning, especially if they are hungry. It's distracting."

The school has consulted with local nutritionists to ensure the meal is as healthy and filling as it can be. The school serves approximately 4,000 meals per year and teachers believe it does help students with their learning.

The administration is quick to point out that just because a student attends the breakfast program does not mean a child is going without at home, but it does help those who become more hungry once at school.

"Kids are growing and they will be hit with hunger pangs at different times of day," Vlanich said. "If a child had breakfast, they don't need to go, but sometimes they do need a bit more."

Studies have shown that hungry students have slower memory recall, increased errors, are more likely to repeat a grade and have behavioural, attention and emotional problems. Students who participate in school breakfast programs have improved attendance, behaviour, achievement scores and decreased tardiness. Healthy eating practices better equip the students to handle the demands of an eight-hour school day.

The program is funded in part by the Inuvik Community Corporation's Brighter Futures, but the biggest part of the program is the teachers who volunteer their time before school, said vice-principal Jason Dayman.

Without the teachers, the students wouldn't have the program.

"The staff are the main people who run the program. We're thankful to have such dedicated staff," Dayman said. "It's a great way to get to know the kids and interact with them."

School starts on Sept. 6 and the breakfast program will start soon after that.

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