Lunchtime Ideas at East Devonport Primary School
During a recent visit to East Devonport Primary School, Katrina, the Kitchen Supervisor, shared some great ideas with Rachael, a School Food Matters Program Coordinator, for involving students and making lunchtime an enjoyable part of the school day.
Bevin, a long-time School Lunch Program volunteer and former student of East Devonport Primary School, worked with hands-on learning students to make wooden sign stands for the dining tables. Each class will design its own sign to display at lunchtime, giving students a chance to make the space their own.
Katrina also showed Rachael the school’s “Daily Diner” awards, Year 6 clean-up system and television displaying a photo of the day’s meal. With these ideas in place, students knew what to expect and how they could help, while staff had clear and simple systems to keep lunchtime running smoothly. She loved seeing how these simple ideas are helping students feel part of the program, take pride in their dining space and enjoy eating together.
Ideas from East Devonport Primary School
Create class table signs
Invite each class to design a sign for its lunch table. East Devonport’s wooden sign stands were made by hands-on learning students, adding another opportunity for students to contribute to the program.
Celebrate positive lunchtime behaviour
On each lunch day, staff select a “Daily Diner” from the junior and senior grades. The students receive five house points and go into a weekly prize draw. Winners can choose a special activity, such as playing a game or sport with the principal or assistant principal.
Give older students responsibility
Year 6 students help clean the dining area after lunch. A colour-coded map shows them which tables and areas they are responsible for, making the process clear and easy to follow.
Show students what is on the menu
A photo of the day’s meal is displayed on a large television near the serving area. It helps students know what to expect and saves staff from answering “What’s for lunch today?” throughout the day.
Keep key information visible
Important School Lunch Program documents are displayed near the serving area so staff and volunteers can easily refer to them when needed.
To discuss these ideas or find other ways to create a positive lunchtime culture at your school, reach out to your School Food Matters Program Coordinator.
